tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-824679230530876142017-09-07T20:14:20.125-05:00ClaytonopolisByzantine Catholic/Eastern Christian Mom Blog. Posts include feasts and fasts of the church, explorations of faith, homemaking, marriage and child rearing.Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.comBlogger686125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-33160224478895307232017-05-17T22:29:00.002-05:002017-07-02T09:41:55.531-05:00Waco Cupcake Tour<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Visiting Waco, Texas? &nbsp;Or perhaps you live here? &nbsp;You want a sweet treat, but you don't want to bake and you don't want to bring home the whole cake? &nbsp;A cupcake is what you need.&nbsp; Come take the Waco Cupcake Tour and find your dream come true cupcake.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5c3chngIRdQ/WR0QEV1ljcI/AAAAAAAAkGc/2XOXV5tsWMImBjFkONm4jk-riTdoItAkACKgB/s1600/20170517_120254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5c3chngIRdQ/WR0QEV1ljcI/AAAAAAAAkGc/2XOXV5tsWMImBjFkONm4jk-riTdoItAkACKgB/s640/20170517_120254.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Magnolia Bakery</b></span>&nbsp;($$$$, $3.50 and up per cupcake)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.magnoliabakery.com/">https://www.magnoliabakery.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">I must admit, my family's bakery tour began because of Magnolia Bakery. &nbsp;My mother-in-law was visiting our family here in good ol' Waco, Texas, and she wanted to go see the Magnolia Silos just like every other red blooded American woman. &nbsp;She also happens to love spoiling her grandchildren. &nbsp;Thus, cupcakes.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />As I sat on the faux, grassy quad at the Magnolia Silos, in downtown Waco, soaking up sun and watching my children play, my mother-in-law disappeared. &nbsp;She came trotting back a while later with expensive perfume&nbsp;and a gloriously mysterious, black box filled with six enticing cupcakes.<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">At home, we decided to split them up into slivers so that everyone in the family could taste each flavor. We tried lemon lavender, chocolate espresso, strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, and verbena.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Magnolia's cupcakes are large and have artisan flavors. &nbsp;I appreciated the sophisticated Magnolia flavors. &nbsp; As an adult eating cupcakes, I have grown beyond the typical flavors one might choose for a birthday party (flavors that please everyone). &nbsp;Give me something special. &nbsp;Magnolia delivered. &nbsp;Their most unique, delicious, artisan cupcake is the lemon lavender cupcake. &nbsp;We also greatly enjoyed a chocolate espresso&nbsp;cupcake. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4aXgBooyOc/WRs7H_1vnpI/AAAAAAAAkCc/Q62NMTqwyfcdRisgQwjFMFlFMJ557LOZwCEw/s1600/20170112_190950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v4aXgBooyOc/WRs7H_1vnpI/AAAAAAAAkCc/Q62NMTqwyfcdRisgQwjFMFlFMJ557LOZwCEw/s640/20170112_190950.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">If you are just in town for the Magnolia experience, you will not be disappointed with Magnolia Bakery cupcakes. &nbsp;But,<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>if you are a local and you want a great cupcake, and not pay an arm and a leg, <b><i>keep reading!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">HEB Bakery</span></b>&nbsp;($$$, $2.75)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />The very next day while grocery shopping, my mother-in-law exclaimed that the kids enjoyed the cupcake tasting so much she wanted to try it again. &nbsp;She bought six, big, fancy cupcakes from HEB, and the tour continued from there.&nbsp;When my mother-in-law wanted to get cupcakes two nights in a row, I was a little perturbed. &nbsp;My husband and I are always trying to watch our weight. &nbsp;It was fun and cute for one night, but two? &nbsp;Certainly, I was not willing to fall off the wagon for a commercial joint like HEB. &nbsp;But I was pleasantly, surprised. &nbsp;HEB also delivered a quality cupcake in flavors that packed a punch.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />These cupcakes were the ones individually sold in the case, which are nicer than the pre-packaged cupcakes. &nbsp;Honestly, I did not even know these cupcakes existed at my local grocer. &nbsp;They were jumbo cupcakes, big enough for two people to share. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We tried red velvet, coconut, carrot cake, chocolate, birthday cake, and oreo. &nbsp;The best cupcake at HEB is birthday cake. &nbsp;It had that overly-sweet, vanilla custard flavored cake that signifies "birthday cake." &nbsp;It was a cupcake dream come true. &nbsp;The rest of the flavors were pretty standard in flavor, but the quality was above average. &nbsp;They had fluffy cake, smooth frosting and balanced flavor. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7aGyL3_974/WRs6hQhqCqI/AAAAAAAAkCc/_MXyVF4ob24ID8upbArGHnRYOy_AxjkTwCEw/s1600/20170114_190436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X7aGyL3_974/WRs6hQhqCqI/AAAAAAAAkCc/_MXyVF4ob24ID8upbArGHnRYOy_AxjkTwCEw/s640/20170114_190436.jpg" width="360" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />If you are bedraggled and cannot find time to make a bakery order and pick them up, or are on a budget, but still want to make some occasion special, do not shy away from the fancier cupcakes at the HEB bakery. &nbsp;You will not regret the experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">What About Cupcakes?</span></b> ($$, $2.50)<br /><a href="http://whataboutcupcakes.com/">http://whataboutcupcakes.com/</a><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">They claim to be the original cupcake bakery in Waco, and they will tell you so as you shop their store. &nbsp;The woman who tended the store front seemed to equate being around the longest with being the best. &nbsp;However, that was not my experience. &nbsp;In fact, this was my least enjoyable experience on the tour. &nbsp;Sadly, their cupcakes were no better than cake mix out of a box. &nbsp;I was disappointed we wasted cash and calories on this experience. &nbsp;What About a Cupcake? has limited inventory and little imagination when it came to flavor. &nbsp;We tried chocolate, reeses, oreo, strawberry, vanilla, and lemon-raspberry. &nbsp;I tried to decide a "best in bakery" for each bakery so I could recommend something about each place. &nbsp;What About a Cupcake? did have a good solid vanilla cupcake. &nbsp;They were cute little cupcakes too.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQWI1zFV80M/WRtO7rwcXII/AAAAAAAAkCc/r2RwUi1gJe4eEIFvCjMQi3iLRN-88bhYwCEw/s1600/20170116_182016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hQWI1zFV80M/WRtO7rwcXII/AAAAAAAAkCc/r2RwUi1gJe4eEIFvCjMQi3iLRN-88bhYwCEw/s640/20170116_182016.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Simply Delicious</span></b> ($$$, $3.00)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.simplydeliciouswaco.com/">&nbsp;http://www.simplydeliciouswaco.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Simply Delicious has an unorthodox location amidst industrial distribution warehouses.&nbsp; Even though this bakery is somewhat hidden it has a big reputation making Waco’s people’s choice list. &nbsp;When we stopped by around the lunch hour, the parking lot was packed and it seemed folks were spending their lunch breaks consuming sweet treats. &nbsp;<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We tried vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, champagne, chocolate chip, and carrot cake. &nbsp;They were good cupcakes, but I found the price tag a bit much. &nbsp;They were not any bigger than an average cupcake, unlike Magnolia and HEB where they were more expensive, but also jumbo.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My favorite cupcake at Simply Delicious was the champagne. &nbsp;Not only was it a lovely, delicate flavor I had never tried, but was also salted in such a way that enhanced the subtle champagne flavor.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; mso-outline-level: 3;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAhhhFYD0xY/WRtSYQx6w3I/AAAAAAAAkCc/Ob0ZomlbV5Ucl382OY282gChoNsYZAvfwCEw/s1600/20170116_182110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bAhhhFYD0xY/WRtSYQx6w3I/AAAAAAAAkCc/Ob0ZomlbV5Ucl382OY282gChoNsYZAvfwCEw/s640/20170116_182110.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Delightful Hearts Sweet Treats</span></b> ($, $1 - $2.25)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><a href="http://delightfulhearts.com/">&nbsp;http://delightfulhearts.com/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Delightful Hearts is a perfect name for this bakery. &nbsp;I found these cupcakes delightful! &nbsp;But what is most delightful about Delightful Hearts is the baker/owner/shop keep, Tiffany Kosel. &nbsp;She is a mom of four following her dreams. &nbsp;I have made repeat visits to this shop in the last few months for several reasons: 1.) The cupcakes are exceptional. &nbsp;I am guaranteed show stopping cupcakes every time&nbsp;I visit. &nbsp;They taste great and are beautiful. 2.) &nbsp;$1.00 Thursday cupcakes after 12:00 p.m. Thank you for this special!!! Our family lives on one income. &nbsp;We rarely enjoy luxuries such as bakery confections. &nbsp;This special makes it possible to celebrate the little things. &nbsp;3.) Tiffany is a delight. &nbsp;She always welcomes guests with joy. &nbsp;This is a<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>MUST<span class="apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span>visit bakery.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlZRzGVirng/WRu00MJpMFI/AAAAAAAAkC0/ALOThXqeSI8ezzYbSxIIxEH64ngwFNSxACEw/s1600/20170119_150034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlZRzGVirng/WRu00MJpMFI/AAAAAAAAkC0/ALOThXqeSI8ezzYbSxIIxEH64ngwFNSxACEw/s640/20170119_150034.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We tried strawberry, butterfinger, oreo, nutterbutter, boston cream pie, vanilla, chocolate fudge, cherry cordial, animal cookie, coconut, snickerdoodle and carrot cake. &nbsp;We were able to try a lot due to $1 Thursday. &nbsp;It was hard to pick a favorite. &nbsp;They were all so good. &nbsp;But if I were only allowed to have one, I would pick the cherry cordial. &nbsp;My girls could not get enough of the coconut. &nbsp;This bakery also makes gluten free cupcakes!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lollipop's Sweet Treats</span></b> ($, $1.75 - $2.25)<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pauladharn16/">https://www.facebook.com/Pauladharn16/</a><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">Located in Robinson, on Hwy 77, minutes from Baylor University. &nbsp;Honestly, the quality of this bakery is comparable to Delightful Hearts. &nbsp;I appreciated the interesting flavors at this shop. &nbsp;In particular, we tried a Dr. Pepper cupcake, which is a nostalgic, signature of Waco. &nbsp;I have made repeat trips to this bakery as well. &nbsp;The price is also right.<br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We tried chocolate, vanilla, Dr. Pepper, banana cream pie, almond joy, and red velvet. &nbsp;The standout was the aforementioned Dr. Pepper. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">My one complaint of Lollipop's is that I wish they were prettier. &nbsp;They were the most plain looking cupcakes on the tour aside from Magnolia. &nbsp;The way they looked did not get me excited to eat a cupcake. &nbsp;But when I took a bite, I did not care what they looked like (get in my face cupcake)!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9V6KGNUDZY/WRu2i6UKorI/AAAAAAAAkDA/f4wfx7jqAnQHNJga7tXqBCmrbUtIKt6SgCEw/s1600/20170120_165506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J9V6KGNUDZY/WRu2i6UKorI/AAAAAAAAkDA/f4wfx7jqAnQHNJga7tXqBCmrbUtIKt6SgCEw/s640/20170120_165506.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sweetness Desserts</span></b> ($$, $2.25 - $2.50)<br /><a href="https://www.sweetnessdesserts.com/">https://www.sweetnessdesserts.com/</a><br /><!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br /><!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">This is Waco's finest--a cut above the rest--ambiance, presentation, flavor. &nbsp;I died and went to heaven which was a patisserie in France. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ose8CMC8n5Q/WR0OokSyhrI/AAAAAAAAkGM/mfbQv1nGMngGajnyLtDPrdW6RnACZ0ZHgCKgB/s1600/20170517_114016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ose8CMC8n5Q/WR0OokSyhrI/AAAAAAAAkGM/mfbQv1nGMngGajnyLtDPrdW6RnACZ0ZHgCKgB/s640/20170517_114016.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">One word people, syrup! The cake has a light layer of flavored syrup on the top, between the cake and the frosting. &nbsp;Omg! The intensity of cake flavor is an <b>ultra-reality</b>. &nbsp;There is not a subtle flavor in all the store. &nbsp;They all reach out and excite every taste bud.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The vanilla tastes like the way vanilla smells, except not overpowering, except totally overpowering, like I cannot control the groans of ecstasy as I eat it. &nbsp;The chocolate fudge was a similar experience. &nbsp;It was the most intense chocolate I have ever tasted. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">After trying each cupcake I sat there scraping the plate with my fork, hoping that I could get just one more crumb to taste. &nbsp;Then I ate another cupcake even though I was already far too full. &nbsp;I would skip meals all week if I knew that I would be rewarded with a cupcake from this bakery in the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">We tried carrot cake, strawberry, coconut, vanilla, chocolate fudge, celebration, coffee toffee caramel crunch, and lemonade raspberry. &nbsp;There was not a disappointing cupcake in the bunch. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">The best cupcake at Sweetness Desserts was definitely the coffee toffee caramel crunch. &nbsp;We were about to leave the store without this cupcake when the kind, exuberant baker/attendant insisted we take one. &nbsp;We are so glad she did. &nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif;">These cupcakes inspired me to write up our cupcake tour experience. &nbsp;I decided then that everyone had to know about these cupcakes.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TctqMK4euw/WR0VCNbZWhI/AAAAAAAAkGw/bIMdg0_8Asw6MMkqu-8QswQqWZpqkUZGACKgB/s1600/20170517_115957_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TctqMK4euw/WR0VCNbZWhI/AAAAAAAAkGw/bIMdg0_8Asw6MMkqu-8QswQqWZpqkUZGACKgB/s640/20170517_115957_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Final Word</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />We have some great bakeries in Waco of which most people are not aware. &nbsp;Go try some cupcakes when it's not someone's birthday. &nbsp;Live like there is no tomorrow. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />-Definitely visit Tiffany at Delightful Hearts Sweet Treats.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">-Sweetness Desserts is my pick of all Waco. &nbsp;The experience is worth every calorie and every penny.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">-Or just visit the bakery nearest to you and support someone local. &nbsp;It's good for your neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />Lastly, my favorite cake flavor is carrot cake. &nbsp; I did not get to experience a lot of good carrot cake on our tour. &nbsp;There were some contenders though. &nbsp;People don't care about the carrot cake and do not put a lot of effort into making it--or maybe carrot cake is just hard to master. &nbsp;When the right carrot cake comes a long it's like time stops as the shock and awe of all the complex spices, textures and flavors dance upon your senses. &nbsp;It's a moment to remember. &nbsp;I remember all the times I have had good carrot cake as though they were significant moments in my life. &nbsp;Carrot cake is just my personality--a little healthy with that carrot, spicey, unusual, all topped with a heavy, creamy, vanilla cream cheese frosting; people underestimate the carrot cake.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br />Happy Cupcake Touring. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">P.S. &nbsp;I want to thank my mother-in-law for starting us off, buying us a lot of cupcakes, spoiling us with her love and generosity.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">May God grant you many more blessed </span><span style="font-family: &quot;trebuchet ms&quot; , sans-serif;">years.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-88002404999592139642017-05-14T21:50:00.003-05:002017-05-14T21:50:31.689-05:00Tot Talk - Five HusbandsI have not done one of these posts in a long time. &nbsp;It's not that these zingers have stopped coming. &nbsp;I just stopped recording them, which is such a shame.<br /><br />This past Sunday was the Eastern Christian remembrance of the Samaritan woman at the well. &nbsp;There are so many powerful messages in this Gospel. &nbsp;It is celebrated during Easter season every year as a reminder that our sins are forgiven and if we follow Christ we shall not thirst but have eternal life. <br /><br />The Samaritan woman has many sins. &nbsp;Jesus points them out to her mainly as a means to prove to her that he is Christ. &nbsp;Christ tells the Samaritan woman that she has had five husbands. &nbsp;This proves to her that Jesus is the Messiah and she goes and brings many people to Him. &nbsp;The name given to this saint is <a href="http://www.antiochian.org/st-photini-samaritan-woman" target="_blank">Photini</a> - "enlightened one."<br /><br />My eldest daughter's patron is St. Photini. &nbsp;We reminded her of this as the Gospel was read. &nbsp;She listened very carefully to the Gospel and sermon this day. &nbsp;After church our daughter walks up to the priest and says, <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"My patron saint is Saint Photini. [pregnant pause] She had five husbands!"<br /><br />My husband turns red and moves her along quickly. &nbsp;This is so her personality. &nbsp;She does not remember that Photini converted many and was martyred, but that she had many husbands. :-/<br /><br /><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-60220444508986249502017-05-14T21:19:00.000-05:002017-05-14T21:19:05.441-05:00In a Good World/In a Fallen World<div class="MsoNormal">Family and Motherhood by Fr. Timothy Vaverek<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Waco Catholic Moms Retreat<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">May 6, 2017<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">This is pieced together from notes I took during Fr. Timothy’s talk. <o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">I have two parishes I head.&nbsp; I am the pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes in Gatesville, and St. Thomas in Hamilton.&nbsp; I have been a priest in this diocese since 1985 with a short 3-year stint in New York serving the bishop of the Maronite Church there in New York.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">The relationship between us and God is not adversarial.&nbsp; We are not in opposition to Him.&nbsp; Rather He did not create us to benefit Himself.&nbsp; God did not create us because he needed us.&nbsp; He did not create us because He would gain some benefit.&nbsp; He created us because it would benefit us.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Growing up I had to help with the family farm.&nbsp; I had to help weed and harvest.&nbsp; I remember harvesting beets down the line and it was a long field.&nbsp; We would complain about the hard work and My Dad would say keep your head down and you will know when you get to the end of the field.&nbsp;&nbsp; Over dinner my brother said that the teacher said people used to have large families because they needed laborers on the family farms. Then my brother exclaimed that he didn’t think that was true because kids are crumby workers.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Parents do not have children because it benefits the parents.&nbsp; They eat up time and resources, and it is really hard to raise children.&nbsp; We have children because it benefits them to be alive, experience love and know God—the true, the beautiful, the good.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Kids represent an expression of love.&nbsp; For a moment, a mother and father came together in one flesh and made a child.&nbsp; Then God creates a soul in that newly united body.&nbsp; In a good world, this is how a person is created.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">There were seven of us in my family.&nbsp; I was the second.&nbsp; We were all strong-willed children.&nbsp; At one point, my older brother and I knew about a new baby coming before my dad did. &nbsp;We were raising hell as usual and my mom muttered, “No, I can’t do this for another nine months.”&nbsp; Of course, we immediately figured out that nine months means another baby.&nbsp; She told us to go wait for her in the bathroom.&nbsp; Then she came in and cried at us that we had to help her.&nbsp; How was she going to tell our father that there was another one coming.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">One year we lost a brother.&nbsp; Donald was born early and he only lived two days.&nbsp; We buried him on Christmas Eve.&nbsp;&nbsp; When he was born he only had a 1% chance of survival.&nbsp; He was born with cerebral palsy.&nbsp; My sister before him was also born with cerebral palsy and had a low chance of survival, but she did.&nbsp; She grew up to be just as stubborn as the rest. &nbsp;Anyway, when Donald passed away, my Dad came home from the hospital to tell the family that Donald had passed. My younger sister said, “Isn’t this a wonderful Christmas gift?”&nbsp; We all were stunned at what she had said and asked her how this could be a gift.&nbsp; She said, “We have a brother in Heaven.”&nbsp; Yes, they is the goal of all parents—to have children in heaven.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">This is the goal.&nbsp; We are raising children for eternal life.&nbsp; This is not an easy thing in a fallen world.&nbsp; We live in a world with birth control.&nbsp; We want to prevent life because there are more important things that we want to define us.&nbsp; “My career give meaning to my life.”&nbsp; Your career does not define you.&nbsp; Our culture sends us messages that we need to attain new material goods to be a part of this world. &nbsp;Every couple of years we have to replace all our things because they are not new.&nbsp; It makes it very difficult to raise children in this environment.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">How do you measure your own success?&nbsp; How do you measure your children’s success? Families are endlessly traveling from soccer, football, ballet.&nbsp; This is how they measure their own success.&nbsp; How good they are at these activities, or how involved they are.&nbsp; But why should we do these things?&nbsp; Why do we play a game—to play, because we enjoy playing it; why does one dance—for the joy of it; why speak another language—to speak to others; why do we have a job—to live.&nbsp; But these things should not be a measure of your success.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Know the goal. Raise the children to love God; to love thy neighbor.&nbsp; It’s a simple goal.&nbsp; It’s not easy to carry out.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">God’s got a plan for mothers: seek Him and follow him. &nbsp;Motherhood is not pretty.&nbsp; It’s gritty.&nbsp; So I recommend you read the lives of the saints.&nbsp; I don’t mean the cute little nuggets about the lives of saints that give you some ultimate, beautiful, reality wrapped up in a nice package.&nbsp; That’s part of their lives.&nbsp; But I recommend you read full accounts of their lives where you learn about their hardships in detail.&nbsp; That is where we can find Divine inspiration.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">One of my favorite phrases is “Pray as you can, not as you can’t.”&nbsp; You can’t pray like a monastic.&nbsp; Also, be consistent.&nbsp; One of the greatest keys to success is to be consistent.&nbsp; You know this from disciplining the children.&nbsp; One of the hardest things is to be consistent.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Do what works for your family.&nbsp; There are many ways to raise a holy family.&nbsp; Don’t try to do it someone else’s way because you see it working for them.&nbsp; It might not work for you.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Do you know what I hear a lot from mothers in confession? I was overwhelmed and lost it, I was angry, I was impatient, I’m not good enough.&nbsp; Quit beating yourselves up. This is not necessarily all sin.&nbsp; We’re going to have freak out moments.<o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">Prayer, self-denial, works of mercy –these are trials I choose.&nbsp; But my crosses, these are trials that comes to me from God for my perfection.&nbsp; Life is going to hurt.&nbsp; The crosses you bear are not sin.&nbsp; They are for making you good.&nbsp; God did not put your crosses into your life because you sinned. &nbsp;Beating yourself up when bad stuff happens does no good.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><div align="left" class="MsoNormal">God knows you are flawed and He still put your kids in your care.&nbsp; You can do this with God.&nbsp; Ask for Good counsel.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-47736730972338165582017-04-07T22:19:00.000-05:002017-04-07T22:19:12.581-05:009 O'Clock KetchupSo my husband was out of town and we were out of ketchup. &nbsp;Gladly, I had a lot of cans of organic diced, canned tomatoes in the pantry and an instant pot pressure cooker. &nbsp;Hey, why not make some ketchup, because running to the store with five kids (one who is a busy one year old) sounds like more work than cooking.<br /><br />I looked up a recipe for ketchup online (<a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/232397/homemade-ketchup/" target="_blank">this one</a>) which said ketchup must cook for 10-12 hours in a slow cooker. &nbsp;Forget that. &nbsp;I'm not going to wait that long. &nbsp;I have things to do and people to see, five kids to raise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRsIyyhEGlg/WOhVxRpZc7I/AAAAAAAAjFw/hl2JbuNTuyE-c58pwI5TGoQPc4q4r2FqwCKgB/s1600/20170407_195131_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rRsIyyhEGlg/WOhVxRpZc7I/AAAAAAAAjFw/hl2JbuNTuyE-c58pwI5TGoQPc4q4r2FqwCKgB/s640/20170407_195131_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Someone gifted me an instant pot a 6 months ago. &nbsp;I've used it mostly for cooking recipes with beans, which is helpful during fasting seasons. &nbsp;I found a recipe (on the internet. I do not know how I would do anything without the internet) that said to cook the ketchup in the instant pot for 5 minutes and then saute to reduce the liquid by half. &nbsp;I did not like the ingredients in the second, instant pot recipe. &nbsp;It was less traditional. &nbsp;I used the first recipe in the instant pot. Then I blended the heck out of it in my nutri-ninja blender.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW2IfbeMkUY/WOhV5_bs4pI/AAAAAAAAjF0/GDVWFiipd34lzprWCdWgj7g5og6-hyAJgCKgB/s1600/20170407_211940_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JW2IfbeMkUY/WOhV5_bs4pI/AAAAAAAAjF0/GDVWFiipd34lzprWCdWgj7g5og6-hyAJgCKgB/s400/20170407_211940_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />The results were splendid. &nbsp;The ketchup is so delicious and old fashioned. &nbsp;I might have to start making my own ketchup regularly. &nbsp;I might try a low sugar recipe next time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aatQ1HEoda0/WOhV_3rNMmI/AAAAAAAAjF4/zvDze_XyD1UQArRYWtsRyFEzkU1_VbBQACKgB/s1600/20170407_213058_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aatQ1HEoda0/WOhV_3rNMmI/AAAAAAAAjF4/zvDze_XyD1UQArRYWtsRyFEzkU1_VbBQACKgB/s400/20170407_213058_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><br />I call it 9 o'clock ketchup, because that is the time I started cooking it, when I was lonely because my husband was gone.<br /><br />I made a few subs in the recipe, because I almost always adapt recipes to my taste, or ingredients I have available. &nbsp;Below is my recipe:<br /><br /><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 (28 ounce) cans diced organic tomatoes<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1/2 cup water<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">2/3 cup brown sugar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">3/4 cup apple cider vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1/4 onion<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1 clove garlic</span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1 3/4 teaspoons sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1/8 teaspoon celery salt<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1/8 teaspoon mustard powder<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #2d2d2d;">1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Directions<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><ol start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2d2d2d; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Put all ingredients into a high power blender and blend for 1 minute on high.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2d2d2d; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pour the mixture into the pressure cooker.&nbsp; Cook high for 6 minutes.&nbsp; Let it depressurize afterward.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2d2d2d; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then (saute simmer) in the instant pot until mixture is reduced by half and very thick. 10- 20 minutes.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2d2d2d; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Smooth the texture of the ketchup using an immersion blender or in a high powered blended for 2-3 minutes.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2d2d2d; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Transfer the ketchup to a clean glass container.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #2d2d2d; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This ketchup will last 6 months. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></li></ol><div><span style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">May God grant you many years!</span></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-66599896907859963242017-04-03T13:40:00.000-05:002017-04-03T13:40:36.847-05:00Just Simple<div class="MsoNormal">Like I have said before.&nbsp; I would like to eliminate a lot of my children’s things, especially clothing.&nbsp; I cannot bring myself to do it.&nbsp; However, I did recently give away several church dresses.&nbsp; I replaced them with one simple dress per daughter.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzGGhF0fO60/WOKSszXklhI/AAAAAAAAjAU/U9xdQ554q8kR1XkEMiHqRZX518_eGAV5wCKgB/s1600/20170327_093429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yzGGhF0fO60/WOKSszXklhI/AAAAAAAAjAU/U9xdQ554q8kR1XkEMiHqRZX518_eGAV5wCKgB/s400/20170327_093429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I have one child who marches to the beat of her own drum.&nbsp; She often complains about going to church, saying that is boring.&nbsp; She needs to have something she can do at church.&nbsp; I am sure that once she learns more about how to participate in liturgy, she will like it all better.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">In the last six months, when I ask her to get ready for church, she puts on everyday play clothes.&nbsp; I explain to her that she needs to look nice for church because, “It is a way of showing respect for God and show Him how important you think He is.&nbsp; Also, it is less distracting to others when we are all clean, neat and tidy.”&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I do not want to get into an argument with a child on Sunday morning.&nbsp; We usually make some sort of compromise.&nbsp; She wears play clothes under a dress and then gets to take off the dress as soon as liturgy is over.&nbsp; Clever kid.&nbsp; But, she looks like a mess with the dress over play clothes.&nbsp; It is not my idea of a win-win.&nbsp; I still lose and I feel like she does too.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">One thing she expressed to me is that she was finding the church dresses itchy and uncomfortable.&nbsp; The girls used to like getting dressed up, but now it seems unappealing to them all.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I splurged and bought them each a soft, pretty dress in a favorite color from <a href="http://www.primary.com/">www.primary.com</a>.&nbsp; I am very happy with this solution.&nbsp; I think the girls look nice.&nbsp; I eliminated some stuff from our lives. The girls know exactly what they will wear on Sunday.&nbsp; This is a relief not having to decide. They were also very happy with how comfortable the new dresses felt.&nbsp; They thanked me for the new dresses.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQkpIOnfyE4/WOKS3z5bm-I/AAAAAAAAjAY/0AlsIFsET88KrqkoDzaOgZDadEy19XGuQCKgB/s1600/20170402_124016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TQkpIOnfyE4/WOKS3z5bm-I/AAAAAAAAjAY/0AlsIFsET88KrqkoDzaOgZDadEy19XGuQCKgB/s400/20170402_124016.jpg" width="233" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzw7v9k6xS4/WOKTanr_MgI/AAAAAAAAjAc/CmMwLqMFC7UPv116Gz5jteXFA2Y1OFvMACKgB/s1600/20170402_124033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzw7v9k6xS4/WOKTanr_MgI/AAAAAAAAjAc/CmMwLqMFC7UPv116Gz5jteXFA2Y1OFvMACKgB/s400/20170402_124033.jpg" width="237" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VFuq11MvbQ/WOKS3yUxIoI/AAAAAAAAjAY/BW674HXdcVopb-wj_82QEJgARy0L8DglACKgB/s1600/20170402_124002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--VFuq11MvbQ/WOKS3yUxIoI/AAAAAAAAjAY/BW674HXdcVopb-wj_82QEJgARy0L8DglACKgB/s400/20170402_124002.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFrKopby1kg/WOKS3681QzI/AAAAAAAAjAY/8bkgehnvYeMuP5XyIvpUW2jW-vV38ueiQCKgB/s1600/20170402_124033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><br />Bonus! For Primary’s second anniversary they gave away free hoodies with a $50 purchase.&nbsp; My oldest son scored a red hoodie.&nbsp; He has not taken it off in three days.&nbsp; He is very happy with the softness.&nbsp; I like the jersey material a lot and the simple designs.&nbsp; I can see our family buying a lot of the jersey products.<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-VKRIznqMM/WOKUEisyN3I/AAAAAAAAjAg/NGK0gvw2JiQuyOisQ8uy_QWI3hLECkf-ACKgB/s1600/20170402_140727_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O-VKRIznqMM/WOKUEisyN3I/AAAAAAAAjAg/NGK0gvw2JiQuyOisQ8uy_QWI3hLECkf-ACKgB/s400/20170402_140727_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I previously tried out the flannel dresses.&nbsp; I do not like the muted color and stiffness of the material.&nbsp; The material is soft.&nbsp; But, it does not have stretch in the seams, which one of my children dislikes.&nbsp; It’s not a bad product.&nbsp; It is just less desirable for my children.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmzwpr793gU/WOKUN8tsX1I/AAAAAAAAjAk/_NYhn9sbnKMD9crw697AJJCwfwz-ppiNQCKgB/s1600/20170402_123937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vmzwpr793gU/WOKUN8tsX1I/AAAAAAAAjAk/_NYhn9sbnKMD9crw697AJJCwfwz-ppiNQCKgB/s400/20170402_123937.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5jUMeC2u18/WOKUN1KsNQI/AAAAAAAAjAk/88UtWi-NpdA0A5SuSA-hIqPgoWlnlt7MgCKgB/s1600/20170402_123928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j5jUMeC2u18/WOKUN1KsNQI/AAAAAAAAjAk/88UtWi-NpdA0A5SuSA-hIqPgoWlnlt7MgCKgB/s400/20170402_123928.jpg" width="237" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AjNNvrT8ew/WOKUN7Cn7aI/AAAAAAAAjAk/ls0BTurcnR0MRc26-zeJLXjY-mW5XB-DwCKgB/s1600/20170402_123909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3AjNNvrT8ew/WOKUN7Cn7aI/AAAAAAAAjAk/ls0BTurcnR0MRc26-zeJLXjY-mW5XB-DwCKgB/s400/20170402_123909.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;Hopefully, this is the beginning of helping my kids to live more simply.&nbsp; I keep telling my kids that when I was a kid I had one pair of sneakers that I wore for every occasion.&nbsp; I also had a pair of snow boots.&nbsp; I did not have multiple pairs of shoes.&nbsp; Every so often I would have a pair of dress shoes, but not always.&nbsp; I had one week’s worth of clothing. &nbsp;When summer came, we just cut the pants off and had shorts.&nbsp; In times gone by people had even less. &nbsp;&nbsp;I know life can be simpler.</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">I am trying to be brave enough to live simple with my family.&nbsp; By no means am I succeeding at my goal.&nbsp; But, I figure if I keep taking baby steps, eventually I will make some gains.<o:p></o:p><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0w2CJUPPsQ/WOKVYeoKvDI/AAAAAAAAjAw/Hh0GKpgnmJ0jrtVXs8lvOT78kyGy76tsACKgB/s1600/20170403_091716_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0w2CJUPPsQ/WOKVYeoKvDI/AAAAAAAAjAw/Hh0GKpgnmJ0jrtVXs8lvOT78kyGy76tsACKgB/s400/20170403_091716_HDR.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-369Qm9MP7uY/WOKVYS6bTsI/AAAAAAAAjAw/z-HKcaJtI3oPH68DZZzINXLpHD3SEvVMgCKgB/s1600/20170403_091615_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-369Qm9MP7uY/WOKVYS6bTsI/AAAAAAAAjAw/z-HKcaJtI3oPH68DZZzINXLpHD3SEvVMgCKgB/s400/20170403_091615_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0-6CTTMh4U/WOKVYURjb3I/AAAAAAAAjAw/fW8yiQ3emuoL768lVHAllmnpWsF4p2BxQCKgB/s1600/20170403_092020_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0-6CTTMh4U/WOKVYURjb3I/AAAAAAAAjAw/fW8yiQ3emuoL768lVHAllmnpWsF4p2BxQCKgB/s400/20170403_092020_HDR.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;May God grant you many years!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-75325964862289841152017-03-25T22:55:00.003-05:002017-03-25T23:12:03.010-05:00The Half<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OBdCufeCYQ/WNc69LIjgiI/AAAAAAAAinI/SS79zKg8zgM2eEtdUC58BhXkv_lLjaElwCKgB/s1600/20170325_102621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OBdCufeCYQ/WNc69LIjgiI/AAAAAAAAinI/SS79zKg8zgM2eEtdUC58BhXkv_lLjaElwCKgB/s640/20170325_102621.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br />Well, folks. &nbsp;I ran a half-marathon today. &nbsp;10 years ago I recall running a 5 K and I came home destroyed. My muscles were so sore, I had to ice them. &nbsp;I have come such a long way. &nbsp;Today I came home and was tired. &nbsp;But I took a bath, had a good meal and took a little rest. &nbsp;Then I was fine again; cleaned the garage, visited with neighbors, tidied and vacuumed the house before bed. &nbsp;Wow. &nbsp;I feel really good about my current physical fitness.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I did well--as well as I expected I would do. &nbsp;My husband could not believe I finished in precisely the time I expected. &nbsp;The hills were much harder than I expected, but I hung in there. &nbsp;This is where my husband thought I would crash and burn.<br /><br />At 12.75 miles I just about lost all stamina. &nbsp;I started to feel like all the stores were depleted and everything ached. Then I mustered enough strength to jog to the finish. &nbsp;Part of this may have had to do with poor hydration. &nbsp;I really hated picking up water because drinking it messed up the rhythm of my breathing. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5KG-GaI-WQ/WNc7T354M4I/AAAAAAAAinM/7V3_r-swpUU--DCsgg9zkH_CYq0lKg7_QCKgB/s1600/20170325_104255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5KG-GaI-WQ/WNc7T354M4I/AAAAAAAAinM/7V3_r-swpUU--DCsgg9zkH_CYq0lKg7_QCKgB/s400/20170325_104255.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>When I finished I felt a little emotional, because I needed some nourishment. &nbsp;But my stomach was in too much of a knot to eat. &nbsp;I drank a sport drink and felt better.<br /><br />I don't have plans to run further distances. &nbsp;I feel running is really hard on the joints and I figure my joints and I have a lot of years left together. &nbsp;I want them in good condition. &nbsp;I do appreciate running, though.<br /><br />My neighbor on the other hand, is a top athlete. &nbsp;She finish fourth out of everyone (1200+ runners). &nbsp;I think she was number one female. &nbsp;However, she was pretty disappointed. &nbsp;She's injured and felt she could do better. &nbsp;I'm sorry she could not take full pleasure in her victory. &nbsp;I understand that. &nbsp;She knew she could do better. &nbsp;But on the other hand, wow, take some pleasure in the fact that on a bad day, "you're still a winner." &nbsp;She's so fast. &nbsp;I'm in awe.<br /><br />I was able to enjoy my new running pants from Lorna Jane this race. &nbsp;It was cool this morning and these were perfect. &nbsp;They also compressed a little so they were great support. &nbsp;I also did not suffer chafing (except for my arm, where my phone armband rubbed).<br /><br />I always wear one of my <a href="http://www.adamtowler.com/" target="_blank">Adam Towler</a>&nbsp;race&nbsp;shirts to the race and I started wearing my pineapple bandanna in honor of my brother. &nbsp;This also makes me feel a little emotional at the end of a race. &nbsp;Another thing about running is that since it can bring physical pain, I try to channel this into penance, say my prayers and give it to the glory of God. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V57-bre6QOI/WNc60COgfWI/AAAAAAAAim8/SVs4DdyiinUZV5HQe-OxuFucDjDkjYH1wCKgB/s1600/20170324_104145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V57-bre6QOI/WNc60COgfWI/AAAAAAAAim8/SVs4DdyiinUZV5HQe-OxuFucDjDkjYH1wCKgB/s640/20170324_104145.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BR0oluaAcaQ/" style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">11 miles. Home again.</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by Renée Clayton (@claytonopolis) on <time datetime="2017-03-19T14:05:08+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 19, 2017 at 7:05am PDT</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May God grant you many blessed years!</div><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-88475736634516499602017-03-23T13:19:00.001-05:002017-03-23T13:19:46.016-05:00When Irish Eyes are SmilingGrowing up my mom always told us we were Irish heritage. &nbsp;She even insisted upon a family trip to Ireland to basically see the nation of our heritage.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>...fast forward 8 years, I remarked to my aunt that we were Irish, and she giggled and said on your Dad's side. &nbsp;She said something about being German and I did not really comprehend what she was saying because my mom had said <i>she </i>was Irish and French (French Canadian).&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>...Fast forward to a couple days ago. &nbsp;My dad has been working steadily on our family tree for at least 2 years now. &nbsp;He started with his own family: his mom and dad, their parents and so on. &nbsp;He has come as nearly as far as he can with public records available (about the 1820's). &nbsp;But only last week he began on my mom's heritage. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">I was shocked </span></i></b>at what came out. &nbsp;I mean I was in a <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tizzy" target="_blank">tizzy</a>. My mom's family is not a little bit German. &nbsp;Her family is <i>very </i>German and Swedish on her dad's side. &nbsp;No surprises on her mom's side. &nbsp;They were all French Canadian like she said. &nbsp;However, she had led me to believe her father's side was Irish. &nbsp;We have documented four generations back (she confirmed the names and places) and they are only German and Swedish. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I keep asking her who told her that she was Irish? &nbsp;Her sister seems to know that they are of German heritage and yet, my mom still wanted to deny being German and claim the Irish. &nbsp;She insists there are some Irish relatives in there. &nbsp;My dad has not been able to find them. (Although, I have since managed to get her to claim her heritage, begrudgingly.)</div><div><br /></div><div>I think this is a case of my mom grew up in a time when Germans were not the world's most favorite people, but the Kennedy's were famous Irish Catholics, and everyone loved them. &nbsp;So why not be Irish.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can still claim some Irish heritage. &nbsp;My dad really does have enough Irish great grandparents in his tree to claim being Irish. &nbsp;He is also <i>very</i>&nbsp;English. &nbsp;But it turns out I was chasing the wrong ancestors.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I am very grateful my dad is documenting the family tree. &nbsp;At first I was a little apathetic, but, I have enjoyed knowing my heritage. &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>My dad also sheepishly wanted to tell my mom, she may not have any Irishmen in her family tree, but at least she doesn't have and petty criminals in her family tree like he does.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is my little German-Irish girl. &nbsp;I love these pictures, because anytime I tell her I am going to take a picture of her, she strikes a pose. &nbsp;The poses she comes out with!!! &nbsp;So great.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xoh2n7cRQzo/WNQQ7GQf-9I/AAAAAAAAikA/X50vWXoezKsditubP3aqNDSsh8IRu8sVgCKgB/s1600/20170317_163000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xoh2n7cRQzo/WNQQ7GQf-9I/AAAAAAAAikA/X50vWXoezKsditubP3aqNDSsh8IRu8sVgCKgB/s640/20170317_163000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2MDSZX0-EE/WNQQ7CFiusI/AAAAAAAAikA/3l6jf1bys-sphEDASgjB_x1m8oy6dLF3QCKgB/s1600/20170317_163010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O2MDSZX0-EE/WNQQ7CFiusI/AAAAAAAAikA/3l6jf1bys-sphEDASgjB_x1m8oy6dLF3QCKgB/s640/20170317_163010.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWhiqIObdOc/WNQQ7PxwipI/AAAAAAAAikA/daygC-Sh9TM9hJPgOyf3RkrYnqyRiKaJwCKgB/s1600/20170317_162945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWhiqIObdOc/WNQQ7PxwipI/AAAAAAAAikA/daygC-Sh9TM9hJPgOyf3RkrYnqyRiKaJwCKgB/s640/20170317_162945.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May God grant you many years</div><div><br /></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-8580467585928030012017-03-15T13:24:00.000-05:002017-03-15T13:24:17.178-05:002017 Peg Doll Saint ExchangeEvery spring for the last three years I have participated in a peg doll saint exchange. &nbsp;I love this practice for the same reason I paint and venerate icons. &nbsp;As I paint the chosen saint, I meditate on the lives of saints, on the holiness of my family, or just my relationship with God. <br /><br />Once I receive the other saints in the exchange, I divide them among my children and put them into their Easter baskets along with Easter treats.<br /><br />For this year's saint I have chosen is St. Alexander of Jerusalem. &nbsp;We have decided that this saint is our son's patron. &nbsp;We decided upon Alexander's name based on many great Alexanders, as we did with our other son and many great, Thomas'. <br /><br />I'm not quite done, but I am getting close.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKVYckyJsCw/WMbjxKSPRTI/AAAAAAAAiWI/wn6_kKz7X-QcjYIjRTn9bUeyNF6v5OE-gCKgB/s1600/20170313_120021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKVYckyJsCw/WMbjxKSPRTI/AAAAAAAAiWI/wn6_kKz7X-QcjYIjRTn9bUeyNF6v5OE-gCKgB/s640/20170313_120021.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><br /><br />May God grant you many years.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-86206505964400465432017-03-13T11:58:00.001-05:002017-03-13T13:25:56.240-05:00On Being Uniform<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes I try to solve my problems with uniforms...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Homeschooling is a tough job for mom. &nbsp;Not only do I spend most of the day directing the children in their studies, but I also keep house and cook, and serve as chief financial officer, among other responsibilities. I also play the part of every person employed at a school--principal, counselor, art teacher, computer teacher, librarian, and most importantly spiritual director. &nbsp;This job is overwhelming. &nbsp;It's worth it, but it is difficult.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Sometimes problems arise like, disobedient behavior, disrespectful behavior, slovenly behavior, messiness. &nbsp;I think that requiring the children to wear uniforms helps them be a little more serious. &nbsp;It also helps with the massive amounts of laundry. &nbsp;The time saved on laundry and getting dressed is better used on discipline and leisure. &nbsp;Therefore, all around uniforms take the pressure off me as the head mistress of this household.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BhfJ8RqBZk/U5ko6Q7d_mI/AAAAAAAAFkY/XsXzhgJyC3sHzgqAsIWaaGCw5tKmWn48wCPcB/s1600/DSC00696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2BhfJ8RqBZk/U5ko6Q7d_mI/AAAAAAAAFkY/XsXzhgJyC3sHzgqAsIWaaGCw5tKmWn48wCPcB/s640/DSC00696.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Our homeschool co-op instituted the wearing of uniforms at co-op 4 years ago. &nbsp;The parents decided any uniform would do. &nbsp;This gave parents the options of buying uniforms at secondhand stores or inexpensive bargain store uniforms.&nbsp; This was the catalyst for our whole family.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I was not wanting to do this in the beginning. &nbsp;I had my reasons. &nbsp;Mainly, I just couldn't be bothered. &nbsp;My husband has always wanted our homeschooling children to wear uniforms. &nbsp;He wanted them to look nice and be serious. &nbsp;I protested because I had one kindergartner, two toddlers, and a baby. I exclaimed, "To what effect is he being uniform if there are no other children in uniform?" &nbsp;Fair enough. &nbsp;But when the co-op started wearing uniforms, and now we have a whole troop of our own, it now makes sense. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I should have just listened to my husband with our one kindergarten aged child. &nbsp;Wearing the uniform does send the message to a child that it is business time. &nbsp;It's not time for sleeping (pajamas). &nbsp;It's not time for church. &nbsp;It's not time for play (soft tees and shorts). &nbsp;It's time for learning. &nbsp;We do not wear something distracting. &nbsp;The clothing is nice yet plain. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Last spring, I took away all my girls cloths except for the uniform, because they constantly left clothing all over the floor.&nbsp; It remained this way for three months. &nbsp;With good behavior, they could earn a couple play outfits.&nbsp; Then I gave them all back in the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFzVStt9HnE/WMbMwiYxo1I/AAAAAAAAiU0/P2sDXMw5nvE0O5gx_ch14yrKw68J9wXDACLcB/s1600/20160309_143149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFzVStt9HnE/WMbMwiYxo1I/AAAAAAAAiU0/P2sDXMw5nvE0O5gx_ch14yrKw68J9wXDACLcB/s640/20160309_143149.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">My kids have too many clothes and toys.&nbsp; One of our problems and blessings is that people give us bags of hand-me-down clothing. &nbsp;We so appreciate this blessing!&nbsp; The children enjoy the clothing people give them, and the receive so much.&nbsp; It’s just hard because they have a hard time then paring down to only what they need. &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I want to take it all away and start over with just a few important things.&nbsp; At the moment, I have neither the time nor the fortitude to do this.&nbsp; The idea lingers in my head though and I am very tempted to do this over the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><br /></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">But uniforms…Yes, we are always happier when we choose uniforms.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejmeb0n727Y/WMbL4MBWTMI/AAAAAAAAiUs/qRT7IRUJKUQvqTR2xL2I2OCMj2DJmIaVwCKgB/s1600/20170224_074245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ejmeb0n727Y/WMbL4MBWTMI/AAAAAAAAiUs/qRT7IRUJKUQvqTR2xL2I2OCMj2DJmIaVwCKgB/s640/20170224_074245.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgurAZ_Qfy0/WMbMEj1IesI/AAAAAAAAiUw/6z_55A0g8uAkNKLUR0Uyoy_emte3aiLTQCKgB/s1600/20170224_150101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgurAZ_Qfy0/WMbMEj1IesI/AAAAAAAAiUw/6z_55A0g8uAkNKLUR0Uyoy_emte3aiLTQCKgB/s640/20170224_150101.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JufwtAC90Bs/WMbMEit55JI/AAAAAAAAiUw/OOlmtrsqQzIOXh7bmAijR9-4WKBBIqTeQCKgB/s1600/20170224_150147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JufwtAC90Bs/WMbMEit55JI/AAAAAAAAiUw/OOlmtrsqQzIOXh7bmAijR9-4WKBBIqTeQCKgB/s640/20170224_150147.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6wKfNgN_lY/WMbMErTRo5I/AAAAAAAAiUw/d3rVjzt5k4A8MCXh3v4zIs3Bs-6T1qtJACKgB/s1600/20170224_150048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v6wKfNgN_lY/WMbMErTRo5I/AAAAAAAAiUw/d3rVjzt5k4A8MCXh3v4zIs3Bs-6T1qtJACKgB/s640/20170224_150048.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_rW2pqW8To/WMbMEu49IaI/AAAAAAAAiUw/4i9BPSjt7DAVbtBhaUV-Ov3A9FuyRjTygCKgB/s1600/20170224_133623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_rW2pqW8To/WMbMEu49IaI/AAAAAAAAiUw/4i9BPSjt7DAVbtBhaUV-Ov3A9FuyRjTygCKgB/s640/20170224_133623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I bought these things on primary.com. &nbsp;I thought this would be an expensive alternative to uniforms. &nbsp;After I bought undershorts and sweaters, it was really about the same as more expensive uniforms. &nbsp;I mainly just wanted to try out the brand. &nbsp;I do like the brand, but it's not as cheap as the secondhand ones we get. &nbsp;I will definitely try out a couple more styles from this brand. &nbsp;I'm just not that into buying kids clothes considering we have been gifted so many wonderful second-hands.</span></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-77248134267196360382016-07-06T20:32:00.000-05:002016-07-06T20:32:04.034-05:00In Memory<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N4mx8Dh_nWw/V32jR9CC3iI/AAAAAAAAa1w/4KC1JDDaNI0/1464564787941.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-N4mx8Dh_nWw/V32jR9CC3iI/AAAAAAAAa1w/4KC1JDDaNI0/1464564787941.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFyO6Op7DVk/V32jWMbyT_I/AAAAAAAAa14/6gIMpKm3wi0/1464564822133.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wFyO6Op7DVk/V32jWMbyT_I/AAAAAAAAa14/6gIMpKm3wi0/1464564822133.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gJx6Bh3kmiY/V32jbJ4VSTI/AAAAAAAAa2A/CxSGUEbVvQs/1464564853763.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gJx6Bh3kmiY/V32jbJ4VSTI/AAAAAAAAa2A/CxSGUEbVvQs/1464564853763.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gNU_NSr5yo0/V32jeJeaJEI/AAAAAAAAa2E/sLHiHjUp-KE/1464564877476.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gNU_NSr5yo0/V32jeJeaJEI/AAAAAAAAa2E/sLHiHjUp-KE/1464564877476.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l86E3JZeYs8/V32jiN5hqlI/AAAAAAAAa2I/LLwGo9N1Oic/1464564916169.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l86E3JZeYs8/V32jiN5hqlI/AAAAAAAAa2I/LLwGo9N1Oic/1464564916169.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JkRO2gA0bdw/V32jk756fTI/AAAAAAAAa2M/1OvSzwvA-Sg/1464564972730.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JkRO2gA0bdw/V32jk756fTI/AAAAAAAAa2M/1OvSzwvA-Sg/1464564972730.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>We visited a Civil War reenactment. The families there told us all about life during those times. </p></div><br/><div class="blogaway-signature"><br/><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beanie.blog&referrer=utm_source%3Dutm_link_blog"><font size="2">Posted via Blogaway</font></a></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0Spokane, United States47.7668658 -117.4140653tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-39338230848194423622016-07-06T19:30:00.000-05:002016-07-06T19:33:15.892-05:00Piglet<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cl6RPLZHCS8/V32iqPTwpSI/AAAAAAAAa1k/0WKBFgMeizk/1467850191329.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cl6RPLZHCS8/V32iqPTwpSI/AAAAAAAAa1k/0WKBFgMeizk/1467850191329.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEkSIPCORuY/V32isCLHq-I/AAAAAAAAa1o/77VYrvrD6hQ/1467850201610.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEkSIPCORuY/V32isCLHq-I/AAAAAAAAa1o/77VYrvrD6hQ/1467850201610.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NOLRQSuMOOA/V32jSSU1kxI/AAAAAAAAa10/Vn_EKAZIUBs/1467850215006.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NOLRQSuMOOA/V32jSSU1kxI/AAAAAAAAa10/Vn_EKAZIUBs/1467850215006.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>I love this little baby piglet. These are glory days I want to remember.<br/>Mno Hya Lyta!</p></div><br/><div class="blogaway-signature"><br/><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beanie.blog&referrer=utm_source%3Dutm_link_blog"><font size="2">Posted via Blogaway</font></a></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0Spokane, United States47.7668807 -117.4139712tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-87746856602644525892016-05-26T16:23:00.001-05:002016-05-26T16:23:09.523-05:00Sister Fun Day in Fairy Land<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9S1TdP2eYHw/V0dpMkrd0KI/AAAAAAAAZ6o/7ncfud_vkeM/1464297296665.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9S1TdP2eYHw/V0dpMkrd0KI/AAAAAAAAZ6o/7ncfud_vkeM/1464297296665.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FT32PKAE5N4/V0dpOygVANI/AAAAAAAAZ6s/mG3_AvmVJjE/1464297332101.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FT32PKAE5N4/V0dpOygVANI/AAAAAAAAZ6s/mG3_AvmVJjE/1464297332101.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>It's Sister Fun Day today. Kristiana invented sister fun day back in January to cheer up Annie. Annie never thinks she is getting her due. Kristiana organized all sorts of events including a trip to Starbucks.&nbsp; <br/><br/>Today Annie organized the day. But first mom dragged them to story time. This turned out to be a fun time because the Tooth Fairy came and handed out books and tooth brushes and cups. <br/><br/>Then off to the store for a toy, candy, chips and juice.&nbsp; Then a movie at home. Sounds like fun to me.<br/><br/>Mno hya Lyta!</p></div><br/><div class="blogaway-signature"><br/><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beanie.blog&referrer=utm_source%3Dutm_link_blog"><font size="2">Posted via Blogaway</font></a></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0Spokane, United States47.7668807 -117.4139712tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-16912595532725246422016-05-26T16:22:00.000-05:002016-05-26T16:23:14.642-05:00Sister Fun Day in Fairy Land<div class="blogaway-signature"><br/><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beanie.blog&referrer=utm_source%3Dutm_link_blog"><font size="2">Posted via Blogaway</font></a></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0Spokane, United States47.7668807 -117.4139712tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-24050369924781974292016-03-28T06:14:00.000-05:002016-03-28T06:15:12.664-05:00Christ is Risen 2016<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_A7eTxyk5-A/VvigmPcdqtI/AAAAAAAAYVA/XcxUtte6hiA/1459083781446.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_A7eTxyk5-A/VvigmPcdqtI/AAAAAAAAYVA/XcxUtte6hiA/1459083781446.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-kKD_kIqFg/VvignpKgxlI/AAAAAAAAYVE/HMrENJDGs-g/1459083797816.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U-kKD_kIqFg/VvignpKgxlI/AAAAAAAAYVE/HMrENJDGs-g/1459083797816.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KiqBZ_PPsl0/VvkSIYxtS5I/AAAAAAAAYVk/wAVpxdyvFIU/1459083810397.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KiqBZ_PPsl0/VvkSIYxtS5I/AAAAAAAAYVk/wAVpxdyvFIU/1459083810397.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>We're on the road to go to Divine Liturgy at a Byzantine Catholic Church.<br/><br/>We've come to a point in life where our tastes are more defined. We cannot celebrate the Resurrection of Christ in any other manner than the Eastern way. It's too beautiful, it's too magnificent, it's too appropriate--fitting. <br/><br/>So we've packed up our village and our Easter baskets and we our on the road. We are pilgrims. <br/><br/>The children are digging into their Easter baskets and getting chocolate on their church clothes. (Gasp!) Before church! Normally we make them wait until after Liturgy, but we had some little ones who did not understand and they wouldn't have seen their baskets until 8 hours later. It was not a great parent move.&nbsp; We will figure this one out for next year.&nbsp; <br/><br/>And Confession - I may have forgotten one bar on the three bar cross I put on the Pascha bread. Life's a little messy right now.&nbsp; But we're still in the game.<br/><br/>Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!<br/>By death He conquered death and to those in the graves He granted life...(even to those who are messy and imperfect, so long as they LOVE God, and repent, and have hope.)</p></div><br/><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_LPQkTbOBtQ/VvkSJ7zIkeI/AAAAAAAAYVo/IPE2XvwCsIE/1459134480048.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_LPQkTbOBtQ/VvkSJ7zIkeI/AAAAAAAAYVo/IPE2XvwCsIE/1459134480048.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZwwkJcngvNo/VvkSLNX_w8I/AAAAAAAAYVs/zfJJkUFEV44/1459134512373.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZwwkJcngvNo/VvkSLNX_w8I/AAAAAAAAYVs/zfJJkUFEV44/1459134512373.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PoyRaXvoNRE/VvkSMNrUP6I/AAAAAAAAYVw/NaM4kEClwEM/1459134538871.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PoyRaXvoNRE/VvkSMNrUP6I/AAAAAAAAYVw/NaM4kEClwEM/1459134538871.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dD7LCbftjqE/VvkSOIhTA1I/AAAAAAAAYV0/k2oxPv7MdZI/1459134566246.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dD7LCbftjqE/VvkSOIhTA1I/AAAAAAAAYV0/k2oxPv7MdZI/1459134566246.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWLfHtxW-0A/VvkSPSGh2OI/AAAAAAAAYV4/3SU0XpsQFsA/1459134596549.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LWLfHtxW-0A/VvkSPSGh2OI/AAAAAAAAYV4/3SU0XpsQFsA/1459134596549.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p></p></div><br/><div class="blogaway-signature"><br/><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beanie.blog&referrer=utm_source%3Dutm_link_blog"><font size="2">Posted via Blogaway</font></a></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0Robinson, United States31.4820103 -97.1242867tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-32219147056751803382016-02-23T20:51:00.000-06:002016-02-23T20:52:14.355-06:00Put on ChristOur little man was Baptized, Chrismated and received first Holy Communion. &nbsp;We are so happy for him. &nbsp;We are also grateful for his Godparents.<br /><br />It was the Sunday of Orthodoxy. &nbsp;So it was an extra long liturgy with Baptism and Icon Procession. &nbsp;Our priest spoke of how in a way when a person is Baptized he becomes an icon of Christ. &nbsp;He is meant to act in the image of Christ and be full of His grace. &nbsp;It was a beautiful homily. &nbsp;I wish I had been calm enough to take in the homily better. &nbsp;Further at this point I was busy huffing the chrism oils on my baby's head. He, he, he. It smells so good.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLs1zhaXtjc/Vs0XGHgyjRI/AAAAAAAAXao/8LPoqMtrm08/s1600/DSC02069%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QLs1zhaXtjc/Vs0XGHgyjRI/AAAAAAAAXao/8LPoqMtrm08/s640/DSC02069%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Oi3y9aMDSg/Vs0XGZBE42I/AAAAAAAAXak/8wDlZJrFQKA/s1600/DSC02073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Oi3y9aMDSg/Vs0XGZBE42I/AAAAAAAAXak/8wDlZJrFQKA/s640/DSC02073.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEWldakGxvI/Vs0XdF8WVDI/AAAAAAAAXa0/xxTRJQ_1vkc/s1600/DSC02038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MEWldakGxvI/Vs0XdF8WVDI/AAAAAAAAXa0/xxTRJQ_1vkc/s640/DSC02038.JPG" width="532" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzXWgc_v2KE/Vs0XdRQStCI/AAAAAAAAXa8/z3sRmf6OZcw/s1600/DSC02062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GzXWgc_v2KE/Vs0XdRQStCI/AAAAAAAAXa8/z3sRmf6OZcw/s640/DSC02062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zd7iGmw9bNM/Vs0XUXHxTkI/AAAAAAAAXas/GOWIsW6pOrA/s1600/DSC02063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zd7iGmw9bNM/Vs0XUXHxTkI/AAAAAAAAXas/GOWIsW6pOrA/s640/DSC02063.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkbOkiSjvXY/Vs0XUSX8iFI/AAAAAAAAXaw/Hy1SLWvx8dA/s1600/DSC02065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TkbOkiSjvXY/Vs0XUSX8iFI/AAAAAAAAXaw/Hy1SLWvx8dA/s640/DSC02065.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-45682614744930447872016-02-20T08:42:00.000-06:002016-02-20T08:46:37.174-06:00"Just Tighten It"My husband and I love the scene in the movie, <i>Knocked Up, </i>when the main character is confronted by her bosses about her pregnancy. &nbsp;They are in full support of her being pregnant (Pro-life message, people love new life, life is good), but the bosses also make it clear that since she is on camera, after the baby is born she needs to " just tighten it." &nbsp;That's the comic relief: be big and pregnant and all that goes with it, but then afterwards take care to "tighten it," her body, back into it's former shape. &nbsp;I am in the that phase now, "Just tighten it." &nbsp;The baby was born two...almost three months ago and I started thinking about getting back into shape about three weeks after baby was born. &nbsp;But, it's a slow road.<br /><br />Ultimately I have several motivations here:<br /><br />1.) Clothing fits more comfortably when my body is "tighter." I am all about comfort for me :-)<br />2.) I like to feel strong and capable. <br />3.) I like to feel well and healthy.<br />4.) When I am strong and healthy, I think I am a better wife and mom.<br />5.) Mind, body and soul all need to be well. &nbsp;I am not well, if one of the three areas are lagging.<br /><br />I have been having a pretty difficult time getting the scale to budge, although the tape measure has moved down. &nbsp;I was pretty weak returning to the gym. &nbsp;All the muscles went totally slack after the baby. &nbsp;I could hardly lift any weights and the gym childcare does not take babies until four months of age, so my workouts are on borrowed time from my already overtaxed husband. Fortunately, my muscles have tightened back up pretty quickly and I am almost back to lifting heavy again. &nbsp;Now I have to take off the pounds. &nbsp;I am trying to find the best way to do that without sacrificing the milk supply for the baby.<br /><br />I am keeping track of the things that are making a difference. &nbsp;<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Of course there is no replacement for hard work and diligence.</span></i></b><br /><br />So far what is working:<br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmtkn4tmUy0/VsheI-UYzWI/AAAAAAAAXWo/0Kpy_Qy65vs/s1600/20160218_115700%257E3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zmtkn4tmUy0/VsheI-UYzWI/AAAAAAAAXWo/0Kpy_Qy65vs/s400/20160218_115700%257E3.jpg" width="87" /></a><br />1.)&nbsp;<b>Prayer</b> - I always say, one has to give it over to God. &nbsp;Give all your works over to God. &nbsp;Everything is pointless without Love and Beauty: God. &nbsp;I also recognize that I am not the Master. &nbsp;I say to Him, "I cannot do this if You do not will it. &nbsp;Please, help me. &nbsp;Lord I give this over to you."<br />2.)&nbsp;<b>Water</b> - it's the life of the body. &nbsp;We're 70% water! &nbsp;We need to sustain that. &nbsp;As soon as I started drinking those 64 oz. of water a day, I started losing weight. &nbsp;It's a good way to force your body to release fat. &nbsp;It also helps to release toxins. &nbsp;Since I am nursing I don't want to release toxins into my milk, so I need to drink lots of water to release the bad stuff into my waste.<br />3.)<b> Journal</b> - Keep a food log with calorie values. &nbsp;Calculate the calories you burn each day. &nbsp;I like this <a href="http://www.calculator.net/calorie-calculator.html" target="_blank">calculator</a>. &nbsp;Then you have to keep your calorie intake 500-1000 below your base calorie intake. I have been using the fitbit food log, because it's a really quick, easy app. &nbsp;But, I also like the Atkins app because it shows carbs, fat and protein consumed at a glance.<br />4.)&nbsp;<b>What you eat matters</b>&nbsp;- A ton of green leafy salads are important to weight loss. They are low-calories, low-fat (watch the salad dressing - bolthouse yogurt dressing is my fav), high nutrients, high fiber, and fill you up. &nbsp;Although, I don't think it is necessary to choose high nutrient greens always. &nbsp;Iceberg lettuce is cheap, tasty, high fiber, and will fill you up. Just add a protein for sustained energy. &nbsp;Add healthy fats too like olive oil and avocados (in reasonable quantities like a quarter of an avocado per meal).<br />5.)&nbsp;<b>Detox </b>- I found that detox smoothies help jump start fat loss. &nbsp;They are full of water and rich in anti-oxidants. They can also be high in sugar, so be aware.<br />6.)&nbsp;<b>Track it</b>&nbsp;- Tracking workouts with a fitness tracker helps me stay motivated and see if I am pushing it as hard as I can. &nbsp;I am finding, I can always give more. <br />7.) <b>Exercise</b> - Well, just do it. I feel like it all helps: walking, running, cycling, weight-lifting. &nbsp;My best combo is high-intensity cardio three days a week, alternating with weight-lifting two days a week. &nbsp;I am a big proponent of keeping weight-lifting as a part of one's exercise regime because having strong muscles helps one perform better in cardio exercises and also helps in avoiding injuries like throwing one's back out, or knee and shoulder problems (Just don't over-train, either).<br /><br />I still have a long way to go to be back where I was before the baby. &nbsp;It can be a little frustrating. &nbsp;The new little man in my life is totally worth it. &nbsp;Say a prayer for me: amongst all these challenges I face on a day-to-day basis, pray that I persevere with love, kindness and Christ's peace.<br /><br />Mno Hiya Lyta!Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-8217490546498261532016-02-10T16:27:00.001-06:002016-02-10T16:27:13.552-06:00Denying Temptation<div style="text-align: center; padding: 5px;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8a-RugdWdig/Vru5P0wyyyI/AAAAAAAAW4Y/yhOW3p2pyYU/1455141840277.jpg"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8a-RugdWdig/Vru5P0wyyyI/AAAAAAAAW4Y/yhOW3p2pyYU/1455141840277.jpg cursor: pointer;" width="320px" style="border: 1px solid; border-radius: 2px;padding: 5px; max-width: 320px " /></a></div><div class="blogaway-section"><p>A Great Lent Reflection<br/><br/>When Christ went into the desert he was denying the temptations of the devil. The things that the devil used to tempt Christ were corruptions of the flesh: falling to one's appetites and lust for power and importance.&nbsp; During Lent we deny our flesh luxuriant food. We deny not food which sustains us, but the extraordinary food such as meat, fats, sweets, alcohol. <br/><br/>We can also deny ourselves things that make us too self-important like social media and T.V.&nbsp; These two things can deprive us of mental and physical rest. They can also deprive us of purity and spirituality.<br/><br/>In our denials we are capable of more. We can be more tuned to the movements of the Holy Spirit. We can pray more. We can spend more time serving others in our family and community.<br/><br/>We are praying more. Reading more (family read aloud). Learning more about God's holy people. And we're eating differently.<br/><br/>I often feel that Lent is a relief from the weight of indulgence. Lent is a blessing, a gift.<br/><br/>Mno hya Lita!<br/></p></div><br/>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-60552590554491115612016-02-07T14:24:00.001-06:002016-02-08T13:06:59.137-06:00Scout Sunday<div class="blogaway-section"><p><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Kz0TASvYxM/VrjmygGWq_I/AAAAAAAAW08/8U6hOltkxd8/1454958190236.jpg cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8Kz0TASvYxM/VrjmygGWq_I/AAAAAAAAW08/8U6hOltkxd8/1454958190236.jpg"></a><br/><br/><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hq6hTt5A1mQ/Vrjm1Zd1K7I/AAAAAAAAW1E/mJRsj2GDpNs/160117_162549_COLLAGE-1.jpg cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hq6hTt5A1mQ/Vrjm1Zd1K7I/AAAAAAAAW1E/mJRsj2GDpNs/160117_162549_COLLAGE-1.jpg"></a><br/><br/><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QfOT0l7VMk/Vrjm0scUcnI/AAAAAAAAW1A/5dTWC2j0B4Q/1454958154983.jpg cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0QfOT0l7VMk/Vrjm0scUcnI/AAAAAAAAW1A/5dTWC2j0B4Q/1454958154983.jpg"></a><br/><br/>Alex belly-ached this morning about&#160;having to put on his cub scout uniform and go to a different church. His parents extolled the virtues of wearing a uniform, being part of a pack and being cheerful even when you do not feel like it.&#160; We managed to coerce him into sucking it up. But afterward he admitted it was kind of cool.&#160; I told him that it was okay. We understood that it was not comfortable but we knew be would appreciate it later.<br/><br/>In other cub scout news, Alex won the pinewood derby with his TARDIS car. He and daddy plotted all year about what it would take to win. Their research and planning paid off. Alex also won "best paint job." This is his second year in a row. So we were all particularly proud of the two years of best paint job.<br/></p></div><br/>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-68919469654384721722015-04-19T14:06:00.001-05:002015-04-19T14:06:54.399-05:00Peg Doll SaintsI have wanted to do this peg doll saint exchange thing for a while. &nbsp;So I simply organized it this spring. &nbsp;It was so appropriate too because I went on a glut of learning about various saints over Lent. &nbsp;It was very inspiring. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>While we look at the saints and see that they lived great lives, they are also possible lives. &nbsp;People often think, I could never be a saint. &nbsp;But, the more you learn about the lives of saints you see they were just ordinary people with proper devotion to God, and then one day, by heavenly grace, they had a mission, and the accepted it. &nbsp;So with proper devotion, maybe someday you too will be in that number.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>I tried to look up online to see if there were any particular method to painting the peg dolls. &nbsp;There is not. &nbsp;Just get some craft paint and some fine bristle brushes (0, 3/0, 10/0) and get to painting. &nbsp;I bought Wal-mart brushes and had no complaints.</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div><ul><li>I will say that the saints turned out better if you do some planning. &nbsp;</li><li>Look up Icons of the saints. &nbsp;I say specifically Icons because Icons have a lot more symbology that can be used to express the saint you are depicting. &nbsp;</li><li>Draw a little picture of the peg doll to plan out the look and symbols. &nbsp;</li><li>Then draw it onto the doll.&nbsp;</li><li>I started with skin and faces. &nbsp;It's just my thing. &nbsp;It feels friendly if there is a face. &nbsp;It's an Icon thing to begin with the eyes--the windows to the soul.</li><li>Then I blocked in the garment and symbol colors one by one. &nbsp;</li><li>Then I added details.</li><li>Done.</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NevNRHKl3Y/VTP1e3X1MWI/AAAAAAAATIA/Jml8EcB0Df0/s1600/DSC01525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NevNRHKl3Y/VTP1e3X1MWI/AAAAAAAATIA/Jml8EcB0Df0/s1600/DSC01525.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I used the wood color for the skin on my St. Paul. But, the varnish darkened the wood color. &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">So for the rest I used paint for the skin.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sI5fscxH12w/VTP1bwmQkcI/AAAAAAAATHw/1n0L98TFqBQ/s1600/DSC01524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sI5fscxH12w/VTP1bwmQkcI/AAAAAAAATHw/1n0L98TFqBQ/s1600/DSC01524.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;I enlisted help, because this guy wanted to spend more time with me this evening.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help is awesome.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbbv-o7L3qg/VTP1WgWxOhI/AAAAAAAATHg/v3jEwd2-01o/s1600/DSC01520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zbbv-o7L3qg/VTP1WgWxOhI/AAAAAAAATHg/v3jEwd2-01o/s1600/DSC01520.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As you will see, there's no perfectionism here. &nbsp;I figured that these little people are for little people. &nbsp;I would feel badly if I put all sorts of effort into the dolls, making every detail perfect, only to have little hands destroy them. &nbsp;So I kept it fast and loose. &nbsp;This also works because I don't have a lot of time to paint these days.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are my saints that I made for the kids:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4v02glqAXRU/VTP3B2qxjDI/AAAAAAAATKQ/OyxfMM2fUb4/s1600/DSC01701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4v02glqAXRU/VTP3B2qxjDI/AAAAAAAATKQ/OyxfMM2fUb4/s1600/DSC01701.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Paul, the Apostle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(See how dark the wood became after varnish)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VSxrXZUpOQ/VTP24Syd79I/AAAAAAAATJE/N4Tbo6MoORg/s1600/DSC01661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VSxrXZUpOQ/VTP24Syd79I/AAAAAAAATJE/N4Tbo6MoORg/s1600/DSC01661.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blessed Theotokos</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN30mKfQH1Y/VTP2wK-xt2I/AAAAAAAATIY/sQVRHxMOrGM/s1600/DSC01650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PN30mKfQH1Y/VTP2wK-xt2I/AAAAAAAATIY/sQVRHxMOrGM/s1600/DSC01650.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Christos Pantokrator</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OM7NqLNvyU8/VTP27etk63I/AAAAAAAATJc/fCqDz7dwK98/s1600/DSC01653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OM7NqLNvyU8/VTP27etk63I/AAAAAAAATJc/fCqDz7dwK98/s1600/DSC01653.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OW-ilsorYtM/VTP2yZubejI/AAAAAAAATIg/C8rOsY_3xRE/s1600/DSC01654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OW-ilsorYtM/VTP2yZubejI/AAAAAAAATIg/C8rOsY_3xRE/s1600/DSC01654.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Basil, the Great</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt6YaQZC71Y/VTP2_6fJIyI/AAAAAAAATJ8/wCtYDEEt328/s1600/DSC01694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bt6YaQZC71Y/VTP2_6fJIyI/AAAAAAAATJ8/wCtYDEEt328/s1600/DSC01694.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Bernadette</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtnQB0IMx_Q/VTP28iJUX4I/AAAAAAAATJo/fbrpglJdETA/s1600/DSC01695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PtnQB0IMx_Q/VTP28iJUX4I/AAAAAAAATJo/fbrpglJdETA/s1600/DSC01695.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Veronica</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I wish you could see the lovely folds in her veil)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoQJujArJCI/VTP3AR3zLeI/AAAAAAAATKA/3auOFA6hjws/s1600/DSC01697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xoQJujArJCI/VTP3AR3zLeI/AAAAAAAATKA/3auOFA6hjws/s1600/DSC01697.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Patrick&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(I wish you could see his curly staff on his side in this picture)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEBnuIrVieg/VTP2-KrONEI/AAAAAAAATJw/SdGDIWPRg_4/s1600/DSC01698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cEBnuIrVieg/VTP2-KrONEI/AAAAAAAATJw/SdGDIWPRg_4/s1600/DSC01698.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Peter, the Apostle</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3uq4q8MXdfE/VTP2_0f-g1I/AAAAAAAATJ4/g5NuGGYWQN0/s1600/DSC01699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3uq4q8MXdfE/VTP2_0f-g1I/AAAAAAAATJ4/g5NuGGYWQN0/s1600/DSC01699.jpg" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And here are the rest we received in our peg doll saint exchange:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Sacred Heart of Mary</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62KAKNwk4bQ/VTP2zFbO96I/AAAAAAAATIk/Cye1V_YwXlY/s1600/DSC01655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62KAKNwk4bQ/VTP2zFbO96I/AAAAAAAATIk/Cye1V_YwXlY/s1600/DSC01655.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Zita</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZLXo8-yzNs/VTP21HnN4iI/AAAAAAAATIw/ntee4ly0Q9Y/s1600/DSC01657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZLXo8-yzNs/VTP21HnN4iI/AAAAAAAATIw/ntee4ly0Q9Y/s1600/DSC01657.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bl. Mother Teresa</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32vf1nWsUmY/VTP21vaS1ZI/AAAAAAAATI0/7nnqt0DDdS8/s1600/DSC01658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-32vf1nWsUmY/VTP21vaS1ZI/AAAAAAAATI0/7nnqt0DDdS8/s1600/DSC01658.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. John Paul II</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCe8kL0P2Y8/VTP236CiUQI/AAAAAAAATJA/UgFPigW6f6U/s1600/DSC01659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCe8kL0P2Y8/VTP236CiUQI/AAAAAAAATJA/UgFPigW6f6U/s1600/DSC01659.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Francis of Assisi</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWW8-XVXNno/VTP26U6Rg_I/AAAAAAAATJQ/yI__DfsJyGU/s1600/DSC01663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWW8-XVXNno/VTP26U6Rg_I/AAAAAAAATJQ/yI__DfsJyGU/s1600/DSC01663.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Claire</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GznmfXwQG4/VTP26-FRpzI/AAAAAAAATJU/PSAh88Q8Lws/s1600/DSC01665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9GznmfXwQG4/VTP26-FRpzI/AAAAAAAATJU/PSAh88Q8Lws/s1600/DSC01665.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Martin De Porres</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XS97BmwLlwU/VTP5BKjPXKI/AAAAAAAATKg/MafgRq4SxQA/s1600/20150321_101741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XS97BmwLlwU/VTP5BKjPXKI/AAAAAAAATKg/MafgRq4SxQA/s1600/20150321_101741.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Pio</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbG1ROrYU4M/VTP5BJa7iXI/AAAAAAAATKk/K6BNDayEFEs/s1600/pio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbG1ROrYU4M/VTP5BJa7iXI/AAAAAAAATKk/K6BNDayEFEs/s1600/pio.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Therese, the Little Flower</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAMCN7eaYEE/VTP6khA6wzI/AAAAAAAATK0/Hvd5d37d7BQ/s1600/20150321_101731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jAMCN7eaYEE/VTP6khA6wzI/AAAAAAAATK0/Hvd5d37d7BQ/s1600/20150321_101731.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh when the saint go marching in!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh how I want to be in that number!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Va2vidyPTtQ/VTP2vErA2qI/AAAAAAAATIU/5HRszAbQDXI/s1600/20150321_101805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Va2vidyPTtQ/VTP2vErA2qI/AAAAAAAATIU/5HRszAbQDXI/s1600/20150321_101805.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I'm exhausted just looking at all the saints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mno Hiya Lyta!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-73882924978166148562015-03-31T23:05:00.002-05:002015-03-31T23:05:36.254-05:00Every Knee Shall Bend<span style="font-size: large;">Lately, I have been praying for a certain intercession very fervently. &nbsp;I have come to the foot of the cross in all humility. &nbsp;Although, I have found myself exceedingly restless in waiting for His answer. &nbsp;My impatience leads to prayers of pleading. &nbsp;Yet, in this unrest He has also showered upon me much grace (For example: I was going out to a meeting feeling very sad and so sorry for myself. &nbsp;I thought I probably should not be going to this meeting. &nbsp;I should probably turn around and go home. &nbsp;I prayed to Our Blessed Mother, and told her I just needed a hug right now. &nbsp;When I arrived at my meeting everyone gave me a hug even though this had not been a usual greeting at these meetings).</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkyz4Hyjobo/VRtuL61rTFI/AAAAAAAATGo/ekwqPwbQiec/s1600/20150321_195812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mkyz4Hyjobo/VRtuL61rTFI/AAAAAAAATGo/ekwqPwbQiec/s1600/20150321_195812.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The other night, I was laying with my Annie-belle as she fell asleep. &nbsp;She too was restless. &nbsp;I had offered my little girls a story, but they had begun to fight over a toy and there was no way I could read over their fighting so I put them to bed. &nbsp;Annie pleaded with me in a very annoying, whiny manner, to please read the story. &nbsp;But, I simply could not. &nbsp;It was just too noisy and already past bedtime. &nbsp;There was nothing I could do. &nbsp;I had to say, no. &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Then it hit me. &nbsp;Perhaps sometimes this is how it is with God. &nbsp;There is something that I perceive as a noble good and I ask for it from my Lord. &nbsp;When the answer is, "No," I cannot understand why my Lord would not want to give me this good thing. &nbsp;Why would a mother not want to read a bedtime story to a child. &nbsp;But perhaps there is a very good reason God cannot give a blessing. &nbsp;I wanted to read a story to the children but their behavior made it impossible. &nbsp;God had wanted to give blessings or graces, but our behavior had made it impossible. &nbsp;Or perhaps it just was not the right time.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I recognized then despite all my humble prayers I could not bend the will of God to my own. &nbsp;As a child cannot bend the will of her mother. &nbsp;This is certainly something I have known since I first learned the Lord's prayer, in which a line is, "Thy will be done." This is something I utter many times a day. &nbsp;But, often when I say these words it is without connection to the true meaning. &nbsp;What we pledge in "Thy will be done," is total surrender to His will. &nbsp;In all my prayers, I had hoped God would do my will. &nbsp;It took a little girl pleading for me to do her will to help me see that.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">My prayers do not change. &nbsp;I still pray for the same intercession. &nbsp;God wants us to come to Him as His children with all our worries, needs and cares. &nbsp;But my intentions have changed some. &nbsp;I know I must surrender to God's will and be at peace with it whatever it may be. &nbsp;I must seek out His will in all my actions. &nbsp;I must give thanks and praise and glory even when I cannot understand His wisdom.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But, what if sometimes what happens brings suffering. &nbsp;Does God want us to suffer? &nbsp; It is a mystery. &nbsp;I struggle with this. &nbsp;Is it not a frightful thing to suffer? &nbsp;It certainly seems many are sainted through suffering. &nbsp;Mother Teresa said that when you are suffering it is the kiss of Jesus. &nbsp;It means you have come very close to the cross so that Jesus may kiss you. &nbsp;Remember Jesus is suffering for all the world's sins on the cross and when you come near you feel it. &nbsp;But, being kissed by Jesus you are also filled with His grace and His love. &nbsp;Oftentimes people who are suffering also feel very near God.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Right now, I do not know what is the will of the Lord. &nbsp;I am still hoping for the best. &nbsp;I think that is what is right. &nbsp;BUT I am trying to bend myself humbly to the Lord, rather than asking Him to bend to me. &nbsp;I am trying to not take each moment of each day for granted. &nbsp;I am seeking out what is holy in all things. &nbsp;Hopefully, He WILL answer my prayer with a blessing.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-76569739498562915842015-03-17T07:44:00.002-05:002015-03-17T07:44:46.221-05:00A Costa Rican WeddingMy sister was married in Costa Rica a couple of weeks ago. &nbsp;So we packed our bags and off to Costa Rica we went. &nbsp;I will not wax philosophical on the merits of marriage, but rather simply share our the images of our adventure. <br /><br />I will add we should have took pictures of the food, because we ate some of the finest food we have ever had in Costa Rica.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0DzcGpC_2k/VQd-Y1MbGeI/AAAAAAAASzI/ATCmaAu2trs/s1600/20150227_104929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0DzcGpC_2k/VQd-Y1MbGeI/AAAAAAAASzI/ATCmaAu2trs/s1600/20150227_104929.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NorZFbqbD0I/VQd-Y-AvHvI/AAAAAAAASzI/T0Gyk_2VUGM/s1600/20150227_105015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NorZFbqbD0I/VQd-Y-AvHvI/AAAAAAAASzI/T0Gyk_2VUGM/s1600/20150227_105015.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My Pineapple Baby</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAWKEBboRsU/VQd-Y2Iq4kI/AAAAAAAASzI/6J_zIJJz3d4/s1600/20150227_162311-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DAWKEBboRsU/VQd-Y2Iq4kI/AAAAAAAASzI/6J_zIJJz3d4/s1600/20150227_162311-1.jpg" height="530" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The beautiful bride</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbcVxMOxuwc/VQd-YzwHdTI/AAAAAAAASzI/Z457L-a2v0I/s1600/20150227_183234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RbcVxMOxuwc/VQd-YzwHdTI/AAAAAAAASzI/Z457L-a2v0I/s1600/20150227_183234.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pool Pals</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr79EMEFiQk/VQd-Y7hdQVI/AAAAAAAASzI/XBOAuGaXvkc/s1600/20150227_165142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vr79EMEFiQk/VQd-Y7hdQVI/AAAAAAAASzI/XBOAuGaXvkc/s1600/20150227_165142.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Delicious breakfast that began everyday with a plate of fruita.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wyk2IxPrfo/VQd-Y45bBLI/AAAAAAAASzI/9_Zar_81WT4/s1600/20150228_063636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wyk2IxPrfo/VQd-Y45bBLI/AAAAAAAASzI/9_Zar_81WT4/s1600/20150228_063636.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2qKTIpc4Nc/VQd-Y2PyDbI/AAAAAAAASzI/82h9t7jFq14/s1600/20150228_063559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2qKTIpc4Nc/VQd-Y2PyDbI/AAAAAAAASzI/82h9t7jFq14/s1600/20150228_063559.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cashew Fruit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L_biotG_q_M/VQd-Y_arR8I/AAAAAAAASzI/gGBrKiOKGws/s1600/20150228_084929-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L_biotG_q_M/VQd-Y_arR8I/AAAAAAAASzI/gGBrKiOKGws/s1600/20150228_084929-1.jpg" height="320" width="299" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the bus to the river tour</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRIyqLvBI0U/VQd-Y4-aoYI/AAAAAAAASzI/FdFLZVr8Olk/s1600/20150228_085058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nRIyqLvBI0U/VQd-Y4-aoYI/AAAAAAAASzI/FdFLZVr8Olk/s1600/20150228_085058.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Costa Rican Farmland</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-FtTeKSTt4/VQd-Y_EfMyI/AAAAAAAASzI/kh07wWKf2xo/s1600/20150228_085229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7-FtTeKSTt4/VQd-Y_EfMyI/AAAAAAAASzI/kh07wWKf2xo/s1600/20150228_085229.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLynxDlAz1s/VQd-Y0705YI/AAAAAAAASzI/ZTW4uYsK2vE/s1600/20150228_085238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLynxDlAz1s/VQd-Y0705YI/AAAAAAAASzI/ZTW4uYsK2vE/s1600/20150228_085238.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVgYuFIJ4Kc/VQd-Y5bThQI/AAAAAAAASzI/RKb5LYweExg/s1600/20150228_085247-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVgYuFIJ4Kc/VQd-Y5bThQI/AAAAAAAASzI/RKb5LYweExg/s1600/20150228_085247-1.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ka6uZXwtfIk/VQd-rwG6NuI/AAAAAAAASzU/cKS5-k4GAf8/s1600/DSC01543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ka6uZXwtfIk/VQd-rwG6NuI/AAAAAAAASzU/cKS5-k4GAf8/s1600/DSC01543.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--__wiv22xH8/VQd--T1oFzI/AAAAAAAAS0o/5dLguUzjBX4/s1600/DSC01554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--__wiv22xH8/VQd--T1oFzI/AAAAAAAAS0o/5dLguUzjBX4/s1600/DSC01554.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2u_UoL8y9tE/VQd_EEiTKdI/AAAAAAAAS04/sFl6mhDLSyA/s1600/DSC01556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2u_UoL8y9tE/VQd_EEiTKdI/AAAAAAAAS04/sFl6mhDLSyA/s1600/DSC01556.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRWJzp0FzNc/VQd_PsSwO4I/AAAAAAAAS1g/H6MTmeAhwV4/s1600/DSC01557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jRWJzp0FzNc/VQd_PsSwO4I/AAAAAAAAS1g/H6MTmeAhwV4/s1600/DSC01557.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Iguana's Everywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xx9mnvo-_4/VQd_5XFeGKI/AAAAAAAAS3I/ir4X62kV1Vs/s1600/DSC01575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4xx9mnvo-_4/VQd_5XFeGKI/AAAAAAAAS3I/ir4X62kV1Vs/s1600/DSC01575.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pO4pr8lectA/VQeAN-SJwSI/AAAAAAAAS4I/R43tONkA7o0/s1600/DSC01582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pO4pr8lectA/VQeAN-SJwSI/AAAAAAAAS4I/R43tONkA7o0/s1600/DSC01582.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc4CnwlQLOs/VQeDAWSKMQI/AAAAAAAAS_g/Jk64SN7a20k/s1600/DSC01593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jc4CnwlQLOs/VQeDAWSKMQI/AAAAAAAAS_g/Jk64SN7a20k/s1600/DSC01593.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It's a Croc!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hO6GEX6NgFI/VQeBNGmmuTI/AAAAAAAAS6o/0fU87FTiIu0/s1600/DSC01602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hO6GEX6NgFI/VQeBNGmmuTI/AAAAAAAAS6o/0fU87FTiIu0/s1600/DSC01602.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuNfqxGoKxw/VQeBU1I0BQI/AAAAAAAAS60/MdJo51G1O0s/s1600/DSC01604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuNfqxGoKxw/VQeBU1I0BQI/AAAAAAAAS60/MdJo51G1O0s/s1600/DSC01604.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuM-lBVP4b8/VQeBI5daKhI/AAAAAAAAS6g/iweA5GiZAQs/s1600/DSC01601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuM-lBVP4b8/VQeBI5daKhI/AAAAAAAAS6g/iweA5GiZAQs/s1600/DSC01601.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just minding his own business</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ys6mfLZoH-Q/VQeBbHJMxLI/AAAAAAAAS7I/nSZor2z3kDo/s1600/DSC01606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ys6mfLZoH-Q/VQeBbHJMxLI/AAAAAAAAS7I/nSZor2z3kDo/s1600/DSC01606.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's a capuchin monkey! He's minding our business.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSq2xuxGS0/VQeB71x05aI/AAAAAAAAS8Y/CN0o6pjt_bw/s1600/DSC01616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VeSq2xuxGS0/VQeB71x05aI/AAAAAAAAS8Y/CN0o6pjt_bw/s1600/DSC01616.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6EWIAC_Mxw/VQeCAfcku_I/AAAAAAAAS8o/Uhy2BPN6who/s1600/DSC01618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6EWIAC_Mxw/VQeCAfcku_I/AAAAAAAAS8o/Uhy2BPN6who/s1600/DSC01618.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVfFVW2mUZo/VQeCGaOyrVI/AAAAAAAAS8w/ngMMInOUoq0/s1600/DSC01619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVfFVW2mUZo/VQeCGaOyrVI/AAAAAAAAS8w/ngMMInOUoq0/s1600/DSC01619.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFeZPcAJTOA/VQeCL0N7IjI/AAAAAAAAS9A/3LZx5lq9zKE/s1600/DSC01621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFeZPcAJTOA/VQeCL0N7IjI/AAAAAAAAS9A/3LZx5lq9zKE/s1600/DSC01621.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-um5-i0FWvIE/VQeCXnlMyhI/AAAAAAAAS9g/2JRiPB8Uiqg/s1600/DSC01622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-um5-i0FWvIE/VQeCXnlMyhI/AAAAAAAAS9g/2JRiPB8Uiqg/s1600/DSC01622.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifbP_rBVEYE/VQeCXT9M6DI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/ajDrWAadSNo/s1600/DSC01625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ifbP_rBVEYE/VQeCXT9M6DI/AAAAAAAAS9Y/ajDrWAadSNo/s1600/DSC01625.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siTfOQVXdic/VQeCj1WbFfI/AAAAAAAAS-A/ihvS-OoGjlA/s1600/DSC01628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-siTfOQVXdic/VQeCj1WbFfI/AAAAAAAAS-A/ihvS-OoGjlA/s1600/DSC01628.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's a monkey on the boat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqH0MQA2gqU/VQeCjMcbG-I/AAAAAAAAS98/_0cVhRCeqko/s1600/DSC01629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KqH0MQA2gqU/VQeCjMcbG-I/AAAAAAAAS98/_0cVhRCeqko/s1600/DSC01629.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfFcemDOrJw/VQeCoVpA2xI/AAAAAAAAS-M/zQ0Zc2QIOEg/s1600/DSC01630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FfFcemDOrJw/VQeCoVpA2xI/AAAAAAAAS-M/zQ0Zc2QIOEg/s1600/DSC01630.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXNRJNhsFoI/VQeC_f5y7VI/AAAAAAAAS_Y/8l1mc9jZD8k/s1600/DSC01640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FXNRJNhsFoI/VQeC_f5y7VI/AAAAAAAAS_Y/8l1mc9jZD8k/s1600/DSC01640.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvmchrET_pg/VQeCsbflweI/AAAAAAAAS-Y/CCC3GIQqYYQ/s1600/DSC01632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WvmchrET_pg/VQeCsbflweI/AAAAAAAAS-Y/CCC3GIQqYYQ/s1600/DSC01632.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbVXp4CXISM/VQeC43BJT1I/AAAAAAAAS_A/IS2npyQD6Ns/s1600/DSC01637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qbVXp4CXISM/VQeC43BJT1I/AAAAAAAAS_A/IS2npyQD6Ns/s1600/DSC01637.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;Wedding Time</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2jmbgnFCeA/VQgdPmWnhgI/AAAAAAAAS_8/aba83bRECVI/s1600/20150301_180525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w2jmbgnFCeA/VQgdPmWnhgI/AAAAAAAAS_8/aba83bRECVI/s1600/20150301_180525.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKlP7k1t91k/VQgdPqzDV_I/AAAAAAAAS_8/o6BwbEYTP70/s1600/20150301_175308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKlP7k1t91k/VQgdPqzDV_I/AAAAAAAAS_8/o6BwbEYTP70/s1600/20150301_175308.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz5nAMpgXHc/VQgdPpszpMI/AAAAAAAAS_8/R0WcaQPhRCg/s1600/20150301_175248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz5nAMpgXHc/VQgdPpszpMI/AAAAAAAAS_8/R0WcaQPhRCg/s1600/20150301_175248.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--waXry-FjBM/VQgdPq_4nHI/AAAAAAAAS_8/RrJawmNcx1A/s1600/20150301_163833-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--waXry-FjBM/VQgdPq_4nHI/AAAAAAAAS_8/RrJawmNcx1A/s1600/20150301_163833-1.jpg" height="640" width="468" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZhIPCULiIs/VQgdPrdhG9I/AAAAAAAAS_8/R2jLC0jKAv8/s1600/20150301_163527-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZhIPCULiIs/VQgdPrdhG9I/AAAAAAAAS_8/R2jLC0jKAv8/s1600/20150301_163527-1.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDdaTgB_X6M/VQgdPtTGkPI/AAAAAAAAS_8/G43NnGJWssk/s1600/20150301_164018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MDdaTgB_X6M/VQgdPtTGkPI/AAAAAAAAS_8/G43NnGJWssk/s1600/20150301_164018.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lmf0XXrgFA/VQgdPjz3dxI/AAAAAAAAS_8/s09Nw1lHzrg/s1600/20150301_164027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Lmf0XXrgFA/VQgdPjz3dxI/AAAAAAAAS_8/s09Nw1lHzrg/s1600/20150301_164027.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwgfUqcg6ns/VQghU3v9zaI/AAAAAAAATAY/0mdakBGk5TU/s1600/20150301_211801-MOTION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TwgfUqcg6ns/VQghU3v9zaI/AAAAAAAATAY/0mdakBGk5TU/s1600/20150301_211801-MOTION.gif" height="640" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">By 9:30 p.m. the children all tuckered out climbed up on&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">the sofas at the edge of the dance floor and went to sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr7nrLXu6XA/VQghU9xNsHI/AAAAAAAATAY/ZpFrHXDjrog/s1600/20150301_213015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr7nrLXu6XA/VQghU9xNsHI/AAAAAAAATAY/ZpFrHXDjrog/s1600/20150301_213015.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4yvfEAoEmw/VQghU_XsK-I/AAAAAAAATAY/K7sIz_KGi4c/s1600/20150301_213024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4yvfEAoEmw/VQghU_XsK-I/AAAAAAAATAY/K7sIz_KGi4c/s1600/20150301_213024.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Except for Alex</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yd4isOU7OA/VQghUxlfyZI/AAAAAAAATAY/gTEb6NdLLQs/s1600/20150301_213029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Yd4isOU7OA/VQghUxlfyZI/AAAAAAAATAY/gTEb6NdLLQs/s1600/20150301_213029.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mno Hiya Lyta!Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-71565254232591523262015-03-06T22:30:00.001-06:002015-03-06T22:30:49.464-06:00St. BanjoMy son turned to me whilst completing his lessons today and asked, "Can someone be named Banjo?"<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKTSj4zHosU/VPp860vWVOI/AAAAAAAASkA/g7FSkcOIIjI/s1600/20150228_085112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKTSj4zHosU/VPp860vWVOI/AAAAAAAASkA/g7FSkcOIIjI/s1600/20150228_085112.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Yes, a person can be named most anything. Do you know what a banjo is?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"No."</div><div><br /></div><div>"It's an instrument like a guitar. &nbsp;It makes a cool sound."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Well I think it's a good name. &nbsp;Someday if and when I get a wife, I want to have a son and him Banjo."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XSBZmNlSyA/VPp9DQaTMdI/AAAAAAAASkI/utQUItFGv2o/s1600/20150303_161009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_XSBZmNlSyA/VPp9DQaTMdI/AAAAAAAASkI/utQUItFGv2o/s1600/20150303_161009.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"Oh that is interesting. &nbsp;You know there is a famous Australian poet named Banjo Paterson. &nbsp;He wrote &nbsp; one of the most famous songs ever, 'Waltzing Matilda.'"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43LDpCA4Yg0/VPp9M1VbjQI/AAAAAAAASkQ/LMJRkNYqRck/s1600/20150227_165142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-43LDpCA4Yg0/VPp9M1VbjQI/AAAAAAAASkQ/LMJRkNYqRck/s1600/20150227_165142.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>"Mom, is there a St. Banjo?"</div><div><br /></div><div>"No."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Can a person named Banjo become a saint?"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Owwif8a-MG0/VPp-Mu1yk1I/AAAAAAAASko/sfFWmc6L88U/s1600/20150301_213029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Owwif8a-MG0/VPp-Mu1yk1I/AAAAAAAASko/sfFWmc6L88U/s1600/20150301_213029.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>"There's a first for everything. &nbsp;Anyone could become a saint."</div><div><br /></div><div>"I want to have son and name him Banjo and raise him to be a good Christian so he can be the first St. Banjo."</div><div><br /></div><div>"Amen, Little Man. That's a good goal."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7S7jdKl-Gk/VPp-GhhlPEI/AAAAAAAASkg/RK_l5vX2h3I/s1600/20150301_163527-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7S7jdKl-Gk/VPp-GhhlPEI/AAAAAAAASkg/RK_l5vX2h3I/s1600/20150301_163527-1.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mno Hiya Lyta!</div>Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-45946083231891798862015-02-18T21:35:00.000-06:002015-02-18T21:35:11.732-06:00A Crown of Thorns I woke up to a puking child this morning. &nbsp;It was too early. &nbsp;Then I started to fall asleep again and another child came poking me and asking me very loudly for a baba. &nbsp;I did not get very much sleep two nights in a row. &nbsp;So as I started the day I was very crabby and on edge. &nbsp;Then someone spilled cereal in the living room after all the children were repeatedly told not to bring food into the living room. &nbsp;Then the same child got angry at her cereal for being soggy and dumped it on the floor in the kitchen...It was destined to be a terrible, horrible, no good very bad day.<br /><br />Then my toddlers were very naughty at church today and they were very, very naughty at the post office. &nbsp;But they helped me make a neat crown of thorns bread I saw on the Catholic Icing website. &nbsp;I used to hate it when kids would help me make food, because they would always make more mess than it was worth. &nbsp;Or would want to do everything even though they could not physically help with all parts. &nbsp;These two girls though want to help me everyday. They listen, take turns and do a very good job. &nbsp;I envision two teenage girls someday who beg me to let them make dinner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oq5zgKwDH9g/VOVQAm0T0II/AAAAAAAASKA/G-hLCXHYeTA/s1600/20150218_161320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oq5zgKwDH9g/VOVQAm0T0II/AAAAAAAASKA/G-hLCXHYeTA/s1600/20150218_161320.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8jCFZg37as/VOVP6_q8nZI/AAAAAAAASJ4/X69Aat9-vxY/s1600/20150218_161315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a8jCFZg37as/VOVP6_q8nZI/AAAAAAAASJ4/X69Aat9-vxY/s1600/20150218_161315.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was so happy about my crown of thorns bread, I had to complete the picture. &nbsp;I brought out the children's picture Bible and turned to the story about Christ being tempted in the desert to explain the lenten fast. &nbsp;We read the story while they ate. &nbsp;We had lentil soup and bread. &nbsp;Then I put a tablecloth on the table, which I never do these days for one simple reason: it would never stay on with my very silly little girls. &nbsp;Dinner would be dumped on the floor before I could say, 1, 2, 3. &nbsp;But after a hard day of disciplining one naughty child in particular, I was going to have order; I was going to have a tablecloth. &nbsp;In a crazy, mommy moment, I stapled the tablecloth to the underside of the table with an industrial stapler. &nbsp;It's a plastic tablecloth. &nbsp;I can wipe it down. &nbsp;I told my husband to get used to the tablecloth, because its stapled down. &nbsp;For the moment, I'm pretty pleased with myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xC95eXp71VE/VOVS7BmLT8I/AAAAAAAASKM/IhY-UKggrPA/s1600/20150218_165928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xC95eXp71VE/VOVS7BmLT8I/AAAAAAAASKM/IhY-UKggrPA/s1600/20150218_165928.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I could see that this day was a spiritual test. &nbsp;It was a trial. &nbsp;I'm not sure how I did, but I made it through. &nbsp;It was not as terrible as it began. &nbsp;I hope my kids learned something about how they ought to behave. <br /><br />Mno Hiya Lita!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-86772114789364665722015-02-13T12:46:00.000-06:002015-02-13T12:46:09.074-06:00Fish FridaysI don't think many Catholics know that we are still supposed to participate in fasting every Friday of the year and not just Fridays during Lent. <br /><br />In the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox churches we are meant to fast on Wednesdays in reparation for Judas' betrayal and on Fridays in communion with the Passion of Christ.<br /><br />I think, however, Kristiana is in my court. &nbsp;She loves fish like I love fish. &nbsp;Especially, salty, yummy, canned fish. &nbsp;It's not really a penance if you love it. &nbsp;I have to sacrifice this luxury as well.<br /><br />Kristiana begged me to open this can of kippered herring for her. &nbsp;She then proceeded to scarf it down. &nbsp;It cracked me up how fast she ate it and how much she loved it. I had to take a picture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JKqP8tGVw0/VN5GUxr8kvI/AAAAAAAAH1c/VW86ndTM4_k/s1600/20150211_161737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7JKqP8tGVw0/VN5GUxr8kvI/AAAAAAAAH1c/VW86ndTM4_k/s1600/20150211_161737.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vwgx_Hw-O8/VN5GVL6pO6I/AAAAAAAAH1g/f5to0kAO0FU/s1600/20150211_161738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Vwgx_Hw-O8/VN5GVL6pO6I/AAAAAAAAH1g/f5to0kAO0FU/s1600/20150211_161738.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82467923053087614.post-34039003694844583112015-02-13T07:51:00.000-06:002015-02-13T07:51:24.433-06:00She's Found Her CallingWhen our son, Alex, played on a little league t-ball team years ago Annie was a mere one years old. &nbsp;But she kept running onto the field trying to get into the game. &nbsp;Now Annie is four years old and she is finally old enough to play t-ball. &nbsp;I signed her up weeks ago and she has been asking daily, "Mommy, when I go play t-ball?"<br /><br />Today was her first practice. &nbsp;She hit balls from the tee; practiced catching and throwing; and ran the bases with speed. <br /><br />She was quiet, reflective, taking it all in, with a smile. &nbsp;You could see she was concentrating on learning the game. <br /><br />At the end of practice she did not want to leave. &nbsp;She said, "Mommy, why do those mens get to stay?"<br /><br />I explained that they were the coaches and they were packing up. &nbsp;She said, "OH, I want to be the coach. &nbsp;I want to stay." &nbsp;Then a little bit farther down the road she said, "When I grow up, I'm going to be a girl coach." <br /><br />I was so happy, and proud for Annie. &nbsp;She said it with convection. &nbsp;"I'm going to be a girl coach." &nbsp;I knew she was an athlete in her heart. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I36mASzgRNo/VN1d3yyheuI/AAAAAAAAHqI/ZaUm8OOmCEI/s1600/20150212_172107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I36mASzgRNo/VN1d3yyheuI/AAAAAAAAHqI/ZaUm8OOmCEI/s1600/20150212_172107.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv17U20z-CU/VN1d329RXmI/AAAAAAAAHqI/knw4Kz-KCMk/s1600/20150212_172847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mv17U20z-CU/VN1d329RXmI/AAAAAAAAHqI/knw4Kz-KCMk/s1600/20150212_172847.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-fsyFj-35I/VN1d31TZCmI/AAAAAAAAHqI/ghisXiMnvvc/s1600/20150212_172055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-fsyFj-35I/VN1d31TZCmI/AAAAAAAAHqI/ghisXiMnvvc/s1600/20150212_172055.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div><br />Renee Claytonhttps://plus.google.com/100667077983080302591noreply@blogger.com1